Confidence isn’t a destination you arrive at overnight; it’s a path built with continuous repetition. This revelation struck me while attending Marsha Van Wynsberg's 1000th podcast episode celebration. Walking into that room, I realized the self-assured version of me didn’t materialize out of nowhere. Rather, she emerged through years of practice and perseverance, much like my journey in running. The reps I've committed to, whether in running or professional spaces, have shaped the person I am today.
The Power of Repetition in Building Confidence
My experience in running serves as a perfect metaphor for growth. I've faced numerous challenges, from overcoming a significant hip injury to recovering from a sudden ankle sprain. As someone who’s dealt with these setbacks, I can say, "The reps I've built in running are now showing up in how I lead, how I speak, how I network, and how I let myself be seen". Running taught me to persist through discomfort, transforming it from a mere task into an intrinsic part of my identity.
This moment of clarity translated to my decision to attend Marsha's event over a long distance. Despite the hurdles, my intuition led me there. "When something feels aligned, I move, I move into it, I lean into it," and I embraced the opportunity to fully step into the room, overcoming my nerves and aiming to stop lingering on the outskirts of my aspirations.
"You don't become confident before you do the thing. You become confident because you keep doing the thing," encapsulates the essence of how we grow through repetition, whether it’s running marathons or advancing careers.
Transferring Practice into Professional Development
The way I talked about my work over that weekend made a significant impact. Friends questioned how my professional identity had evolved. Instead of minimizing my achievements, I embraced their curiosity. "I went to a podcast event that I had started a podcast," I explained, sharing that these conversations are about amplifying my message and connecting with people who resonate with my values.
This openness in dialogue was an exercise in owning my narrative. Past tendencies to spiral into impostor syndrome faded, replaced by calm confidence. "If you want your people to find you, they have to be able to hear you," resonates deeply, reminding me to remain visible and vocal about my journey to ensure that those who seek my insights can truly connect.
The repeated practice of such interactions not only solidifies my own confidence but allows me to stand firmly in my truth. It’s about embracing each opportunity to speak and be heard, despite initial discomfort.
Embracing Growth and Discomfort Together
Growth is inherently uncomfortable, revealing itself through the stretches before new confidence take root. Whether it's preparing for a marathon or stepping into leadership roles, each instance of repetition contributes to lasting development. Each action, repeated over time, paves the way for profound transformation across all areas of life.
If there’s something in your life that feels aligned but daunting, let this be the sign to continue. You don't need to wait for readiness. Step into the opportunities that call out to you, because true growth arises from courage and repeated effort. The process of embracing these experiences, despite their discomfort, constructs a robust identity over time.
If you're at a crossroads, whether in health, professional endeavors, or personal growth, remember that every step takes you closer to confidence. This is less about immediate ease and more about what persevering practice unlocks for you. Let each repetition guide you toward heightened capability, as you trust the path you’ve chosen.
