Confidence Over Competence

So it only took me 24 hours to mess up my goals from Monday’s post, but I made up for my one morning nap with a long night working last night so I’m letting that balance out and staying on track. I also spent a good chunk of time in the car yesterday between a Target run (our nearest Target is too far away) and checkups so I made good progress in my newest audiobook all about confidence. The finding is that confidence is a better determination of success than competence. SAY WHAT? I’m not sure why that surprised me so much but as they went on to explain why women lack confidence so much of the time, even when they’re just as competent, something hit home:

We, as women,  are often waiting to have something just right before we act. 

For me, it means I haven’t shared a few blog posts I’ve been dreaming up for months because the pictures aren’t exactly the way I want them. It means I haven’t gone ahead and hung the gallery wall above my desk (when I’ve had the frames for months) because I can’t determine the perfect layout. I’m not eager to go out on a limb and try something until I am completely prepared (overprepared?).

The Takeaway: Confidence stimulates action and in turn, acting decisively leads to more confidence.

I’m only a few chapters in and I’m already thinking so differently about the way I view myself, the way I plan on parenting, and the way I want to encourage Ben. I’m sure I’ll have more to say on the matter later, but for now, you should think of something you’ve been holding off on and just do it. Conscientiously be more deliberate in your actions this week and see if you’re feeling more confident by the end of it.

sweater: Seraphine, c/o
denim: GAP
riding boots: Michael Kors

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