Confidence and Courage: A Deeper Connection

This work has led me to rethink two words I hold dear: Confidence and Courage.

I used to think of confidence as a belief in your abilities, built on preparation and experience. Courage, on the other hand, felt like something bigger—heroic acts and fearlessness in the face of danger.

But now, I see they are deeply intertwined. Confidence is what allows you to trust yourself enough to take action. Courage is what propels you forward despite the risks. Together, they create a powerful cycle: taking courageous action builds confidence, and growing confidence fuels even more courageous choices. 

Last week, I worked with a client who struggled with what I call “partial confidence.” She’d been asked to chair a prestigious nonprofit board but hesitated—believing she wasn’t qualified for the role. For 50 years, she had told herself, “I’m a great #2, but I’m not a #1.”

I encouraged her to rethink her story and see herself for who she truly is: a capable, strategic, and relationally gifted leader. One day later, she accepted the role. Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to help us harness our confidence and courage.