Lauren SweeneyMost people think success leads to confidence. In reality, it is usually the other way around. Research shows that about 83% of working professionals struggle with their self-belief at some point. This is what experts call the confidence epidemic. It affects how we lead, how we speak, and how we grow in our careers. When you work with a confidence coach, you learn that this feeling is not a permanent trait. It is a skill you can build with the right tools and a bit of practice.
The mission at Rise Up For You is to help people increase their career confidence. It is a major soft skill that impacts thousands of individuals and organizations across the globe. Whether you are watching a live stream on LinkedIn or reading this in your office, the goal remains the same. We want to put an end to the self-doubt that holds talented people back from their true potential.
Why You Might Need a Confidence Coach to Reach Your Goals
Confidence is a key indicator of career success. It is one of the most important soft skills you can have. Many people reach out to a confidence coach because they feel stuck. They might be waiting for a promotion or afraid to start a new project. This often happens because we rely on the wrong kind of "enoughness." To fix this, we have to look at how we view ourselves and our abilities.
Our team sees firsthand the positive impact that increasing career confidence can have. It changes how you show up in meetings. It changes how you negotiate your salary. Most importantly, it changes how you feel when you wake up in the morning. When you understand the science of self-belief, you stop waiting for permission to be great. You start taking up the space you deserve in the professional world.
The Difference Between Micro and Macro Confidence
Lauren Sweeney, Vice President at Rise Up For You, explains that there are two main types of confidence: micro and macro. Understanding the gap between these two is the first step toward a stronger mindset.
Micro confidence is tied to specific things. It is based on your job title, your role as a parent, or your ability to do a task like coding or cooking. Society loves this kind of confidence. It feels good to say you are a CEO or a top-tier manager. You might feel great because you can build an incredible spreadsheet or sing a song perfectly.
However, these things can change. Titles come and go. Skills can become outdated. If you lose that job or stop using that skill, your self-worth often takes a hit. We see people fall into a deep dip when their "micro" pillars are removed. This is a fragile way to live because it depends on external factors that you cannot always control.
Macro confidence is much deeper. It is the core belief that you are enough simply because you exist. It does not depend on your bank account, your social media followers, or your resume. This is the foundation that keeps you steady when life gets messy. It is the belief that says, "I have value regardless of my current situation." Building this takes time and repetition, but it is the secret to lasting career growth.
Dealing with Your Internal Ants
We all have "Ants." These are Automatic Negative Thoughts. They pop up like uninvited guests in your mind. They tell you that you aren't ready or that you will fail. A confidence coach helps you identify these thoughts before they take over.
Think of these thoughts like mosquitoes buzzing around your head. If you aren't paying attention, they bite and cause irritation. But if you increase your self-awareness, you can catch them. Our CEO, Nada Lena Nasserdeen, says you should handle fear and negative thoughts with a specific strategy. You don't have to make them disappear completely to be successful. Instead, you put them in the passenger seat. Give them a seatbelt. Tell them to sit right there while you stay in the driver's seat. You are the one steering your life, not your doubts.
Three Ways to Increase Your Career Confidence Today
If you want to make an impact for yourself or your team, you need a plan. You can't just wish for more self-esteem. You have to take active steps to change your mindset. Here are three ways to start that journey.
1. Focus on Macro Beliefs
Start by telling yourself that your value is not tied to your output. Practice saying "I am enough" daily. It might feel strange at first, but your brain needs to hear it. This shifts your focus from what you do to who you are. When you focus on macro confidence, you become resilient. If a project fails, you don't feel like a failure. You simply see it as a task that didn't work out. Your core remains unshaken.
2. Catch Negative Thoughts
Pay attention to your inner critic. When you hear a negative thought, stop and look at it. Is it true? Usually, it isn't. By labeling these as "Ants," you take away their power. You learn to move forward even when you feel a little bit of fear. The goal is to build a daily vigilance. This means you stay alert. You don't let a stray thought about being "unqualified" ruin your entire afternoon. You catch it, name it, and move on.
3. Align Your Values
Clarity is the enemy of procrastination. Many people put off big decisions because they feel a sense of "insufficiency." They think they aren't ready to make the right choice. If you don't know what you stand for, it is hard to move. Look at your personal values. Do they match your current job? When your actions align with your values, making choices becomes much easier. This alignment is a major part of career confidence. It gives you a compass to follow. Small business owners often find clarity when they align their daily actions with core values.
Breaking the Cycle of Procrastination
Many people think they have a time management problem. In reality, they often have a confidence problem. We procrastinate because we are afraid of being judged or making a mistake. We avoid the gym, the new relationship, or the career change because we don't feel "clear" enough.
When you become clear on who you are, the path forward opens up. Procrastination is often just a symptom of not being sure of your worth. If you knew you would be okay regardless of the outcome, you would take the leap. This is why gaining clarity is so vital. It removes the friction between where you are and where you want to be.
Finding Clarity Through Journaling and Support
If you aren't sure what your values are, don't worry. You are not alone. Many people feel lost when they try to define their core beliefs. One of the best ways to find these answers is to take a step back and look inward.
Try journaling for ten minutes a day. Write down what makes you feel proud or what makes you feel angry. These emotions often point toward your values. If you hate being micro-managed, perhaps "Autonomy" is a core value. If you love helping others succeed, "Contribution" might be on your list.
Give yourself some grace and compassion during this process. It takes time to peel back the layers of what society expects and find what you truly want. Trust that the answers are there, buried under the noise of daily life.
Having someone to guide you can also speed up the process. Whether it is through free resources, masterclasses, or direct coaching, getting an outside perspective helps you see things you might miss on your own. When you have a clear vision, you can stop overthinking and start acting. Confidence isn't about being perfect or never having a bad day. It is about being sure of your worth while you grow and learn.
By focusing on these steps, you can start to beat the confidence epidemic in your own life. You can lead your team with more heart and face your career with more courage. The journey to self-belief is a marathon, not a sprint. Every time you catch a negative thought or act on a value, you are winning. Refining your personal leadership skills can help you lead your team with more heart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Career Confidence
What is a confidence coach?
A confidence coach is a professional who helps you identify the mental blocks holding you back in your career. They provide tools to handle self-doubt, improve your public speaking, and help you take bold steps toward your goals. By working with a confidence coach, you can build a mindset that does not rely on external titles or praise. These professionals often seek a certified coach status to validate their expertise.
How do I know if I am struggling with the confidence epidemic?
If you feel like a fraud at work or avoid taking on new tasks because you fear failure, you might be part of the 83% of professionals facing this issue. Common signs include overthinking your emails, staying silent in meetings, or putting off big career moves because you don't feel "ready" yet.
What is the difference between micro and macro confidence?
Micro confidence is based on what you do, such as your job title or a specific skill like coding. It is fragile because it can disappear if your situation changes. Macro confidence is the deep belief that you have value simply because you are you. It stays with you even if you lose your job or change your career path.
How can I stop automatic negative thoughts (Ants)?
The first step is self-awareness. You have to catch these thoughts like a mosquito before they bite. Once you notice a negative thought, remind yourself that it is just a feeling, not a fact. You can acknowledge the thought but choose to stay in the driver's seat of your life rather than letting the fear steer you.
Can alignment with my values really help my confidence?
Yes. When you are clear about what you value most, making decisions becomes much simpler. Procrastination often happens because we are disconnected from our goals or afraid of making the "wrong" choice. When your career matches your personal values, you feel more certain and empowered to move forward.
How long does it take to build career confidence?
Confidence is a skill that requires repetition and daily practice. While some people see a shift after a few sessions with a confidence coach, lasting change comes from consistently catching negative thoughts and acting on your values over time. It is a journey of growth rather than a quick fix. Participating in in-person training can accelerate your progress toward lasting career confidence.
