5 Crisis in Confidence

 

Stepping out of the safety of familiar boundaries, the comfortable silos we’ve created around ourselves, can feel like willingly stepping into an abyss. There’s a sense of vulnerability in leaving behind the comforts of conformity, of doing and thinking what everyone expects, or of staying in places where we feel safe from judgment or failure. It is in these moments of transition, when we dare to break free from the predictable and venture into the unknown, that a crisis in confidence often strikes the hardest.

We’ve all experienced it: That unsettling moment when we begin to question ourselves, our abilities, and the very ideas that once felt like sparks of euphoria and ecstasy. It’s almost as though, once we step out of our comfort zones, the world seems to magnify our insecurities. The voice inside our heads grows louder, pointing out every flaw, every reason why we might fail. The self-doubt becomes paralyzing, making even the simplest decisions feel like monumental challenges. This also happens to a righteous person when he or she tries to entertain and indulge in an immoral action. In reality, this happens to everyone, but the only major difference is that if you have a prior history of ignoring or neglecting this voice, it does not grow any louder. It is when the voice in our head grows large enough that it prohibits you from indulging in any immoral or unethical action is when it can be said that you are in sync with the guidance of your inner voice.

Before we transition into completely overcoming our crisis in confidence, it is important to look at its significance. The crisis in confidence is not only natural—it’s even necessary. It’s a moment of growth, albeit a painful one. It is the tipping point, where fear and creativity meet, where self-doubt confronts our deepest potential. This is where the magic begins, not in the absence of doubt, but in learning how to face it and push forward regardless. Yes, that is what is important, not stopping because as natural this crisis is, even more natural the response of stopping is. This is where you need to be counter intuitive. This is where you need to push forward regardless. This is where you need to have faith on the inner creative spark.

The Paradox of Perfection

What you need to be is to be counter-intuitive, which is not naturally easy. A certain cognitive maturity needs to be cultivated to be able to be counter this crisis. The first step in overcoming this crisis is to recognize that perfection is not the goal. Perfection, after all, is a myth—a mental construct that paralyzes us into inaction. We wait for the “perfect” moment, the “perfect” idea, the “perfect” version of ourselves before we dare to show up in the world with our creativity. But this perfection trap is where so many dreams die.

Perfection is not the GOAL.

In truth, creativity thrives in imperfection. The first draft is never the final masterpiece, and if you have reached that stage, you are in your sigma state. The initial idea is rarely the one that takes flight. Our most brilliant work often begins in moments of uncertainty, when we’re unsure, afraid, or doubting ourselves. Yet, it is in those very moments—those messy, awkward, uncomfortable first steps—that true growth occurs.

Always be mindful to not get trapped in the paradox of perfection, where your natural need to be perfect paralyzes you into inaction and self-doubt. Incremental growth is how one reaches perfection. Moreover, perfection is also not a permanent state. It is transient and ephemeral. So even if you get lucky and hit the jackpot, the likelihood of that happening again is really low. Therefore, we often say to not rely on motivation and instead choose discipline. Through discipline perfection can be repeated more often than through motivation.

Activity: 5-minute Imperfection Task

• Objective: Break through perfectionism by engaging in quick creative exercises.
• Instructions:
  • Set a timer for 5 minutes. In that time, create something—anything. Write, sketch, sing, dance, or paint. Do not stop to edit, critique, or overthink.
  • The goal is to produce something raw and unpolished. Don’t worry about the end product; just focus on the process.
  • After the timer goes off, take a moment to reflect on how it felt to create without judgment. Celebrate the act of creation, not the final product.

 

Confronting Self-Doubt

It is safe to assume that confidence is something we either have or don’t. That some people are born with it, and others are destined to remain perpetually uncertain. But in reality, confidence is not an innate trait—to make it easy and achievable, think of it as a muscle that needs to be strengthened. And like any muscle, it requires practice, patience, and the willingness to push through discomfort. Moreover, an individual cannot lack confidence in everything. There are so many areas where an individual has confidence which you might be lacking in other areas that maybe matter to you a bit more.

So, how do we confront the self-doubt that often feels so overpowering? How do we build the confidence to face the unknown with courage? Here are some tips for you to do so. The very first thing that needs to be done is to acknowledge Fear. The first step in overcoming any crisis is to acknowledge that fear exists. Don’t shy away from it or pretend it’s not there. The fear of failure, judgment, and inadequacy is natural. Recognize it as a part of the process, not as a roadblock.

Activity: The Fear List

• Objective: Confront your biggest fears and insecurities related to your creative journey.
• Instructions:
  • Take a sheet of paper and write down all the fears you have about your creativity—things like “I’m not good enough,” “People will judge me,” or “I’ll fail.”
  • Once you’ve written them down, reflect on each fear. Challenge its validity by asking yourself: What evidence do I have that supports this fear? What evidence do I have that disproves it?
  • For each fear, write down one small step you can take to challenge or overcome it. The goal is to expose these fears to rational thought and take actionable steps to silence them.

 

In the beginning what you need to do is start small. Confidence isn’t built in giant leaps of fortuitous jackpot. It is the product of small, consistent steps. Every great journey starts with one single step. Start by taking tiny risks that feel just a little uncomfortable. Share your work with a trusted friend. Post that piece of writing, artwork, or idea that you’ve been holding back. Each step, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrating progress and not perfection is what you will need to inculcate deliberately in your ethos. One of the quickest ways to build confidence is to recognize and celebrate progress, no matter how incremental. Did you create something new today, even if it didn’t turn out as you expected? Celebrate that! Did you take a risk and share your work with others? That is a win. Every creative effort, regardless of outcome, contributes to your growth.

Activity: Progress Journal

• Objective: Shift focus from perfection to progress.
• Instructions:
  • Every day, take a moment to write about one creative effort you made that day—whether it was finishing a piece of writing, sketching an idea, or simply thinking through a creative challenge.
  • Include what you learned from the experience and how it made you feel. Write about any small victories, even if they seem insignificant.
  • At the end of the week, look back through your journal and see how far you’ve come. Recognizing even small growth is an important step in building confidence.

 

I have always said that in every venture and endeavor compassion is the key. Self-Compassion is even more important. Practice of self-compassion is a prerequisite to not doubting oneself. It’s easy to be harsh on ourselves when things don’t go as planned. But self-compassion is a crucial element in building confidence. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend who is struggling. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of the creative process, and they do not diminish your value or potential. One last thing that is immensely helpful is to shift your perspective. Instead of seeing failure as a reflection of your worth, try to view it as a learning opportunity. Each misstep is a chance to refine your approach and grow stronger. If you can shift your mindset to see challenges as lessons, rather than setbacks, you’ll start to embrace them rather than fear them.

Embracing the Spotlight

Building confidence is ultimately about stepping into the spotlight—even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s about being vulnerable, exposing your creative self to the world, and accepting that not everyone will understand, appreciate, or approve of your work. And that’s okay. The act of creating is an expression of your truth, and that in itself is valuable.

By sharing your work with others, whether it’s through a public platform, a small group, or even just a trusted friend, you take control of your own narrative. You stop letting self-doubt dictate your actions and begin to show up with courage, even in the face of uncertainty.

Remember, confidence is not the absence of fear; it is the willingness to act despite it. Courage doesn’t mean we’re not scared—it means we continue to move forward anyway. It means we embrace the discomfort of stepping out of our comfort zone and use that discomfort as a catalyst for growth.

Before you embrace public spotlight, you should embrace spotlight of the self. Often, we are our biggest critics and enemies. More often than not we don’t like how our voice sounds or how we look in the camera or behind the mic or leading a team, etc. So, the spotlight you need to get accustomed to and like is the spotlight of the self.

Finding Power in Discomfort

Discomfort is not the enemy—it is the teacher. Each time we push through those uncomfortable moments, we gain more insight into ourselves and our creative abilities. We learn that we are capable of more than we ever thought possible. The more we engage with the discomfort, the more we discover the power within us to keep going, to keep creating, and to keep growing.

Ultimately, this crisis in confidence is an opportunity to redefine who we are as creators. It’s about stepping away from the safety of the known and embracing the exhilarating uncertainty of the unknown. And in that space, between fear and action, we find the courage to become the best versions of ourselves.

So, the next time you feel that nagging self-doubt creeping in, remember this: it’s not about being perfect. It is about taking small, empowering steps. It’s about embracing the journey, knowing that each step you take, no matter how uncertain, is a victory in itself. And with each victory, your confidence will grow, until the fear no longer has the power to hold you back.

Embrace the discomfort. Step into the spotlight. And let your creativity soar. Stretches are always good. You should try a comfort zone stretch. The goal here is to push yourself just outside your comfort zone. So, this is what I would like you to try. Make a list of things that push you outside of your comfort zone. This could be anything from sharing your work with someone, posting something on social media, or exploring a new creative medium. Choose any one item on the list to focus on. Break it down into manageable steps. For example, if posting your artwork feels daunting, start by showing it to a friend before sharing it publicly. Gradually push yourself further each week. Each small stretch will help you become more comfortable with discomfort, and your confidence will grow.

Another thing that you can try is to rewire your inner dialogue to foster creative confidence. Write down five positive affirmations that counter your creative insecurities. For example: “I am worthy of sharing my creativity,” “Every failure is a lesson,” or “My voice and perspective are valuable.” Every day, say these affirmations aloud. You can also write them on sticky notes and place them around your workspace. Over time, these positive reminders will begin to replace self-doubt, helping you approach your creative process with confidence and self-belief.

By embracing these activities, you will slowly start to chip away at the self-doubt that holds you back, gradually building the confidence necessary to face the unknown and embrace your creativity fully.

Thought Experiment

Let me indulge you here into a thought experiment. Imagine what would our world be like if everyone who had just stepped out of their confines of conformity and silos of safety would have succumbed to their crisis in confidence. Our life would have been very different from what we are living right now. If every major invention and discovery had been halted due to a crisis in confidence, the world we live in today would look drastically different—far less advanced, with many of the comforts, technologies, and societal advancements we take for granted missing from our lives. Here’s a glimpse into what that world might be like:

Technological Stagnation

The rapid pace of technological innovation that defines our modern world would not exist. Key inventions like the telephone, electricity, the internet, computers, and smartphones would likely never have come to fruition—or would have been delayed for centuries. Innovators like Alexander Graham Bell, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, and Steve Jobs faced self-doubt, failure, and rejection at various points, but their confidence to push forward despite these obstacles led to breakthroughs that have revolutionized communication, industry, and everyday life.

Without these inventions, we might still be living in a world with much slower communication, less access to information, and no smart devices to enhance our daily activities.

Medical Advancements Would Be Stifled

Medical discoveries like antibiotics, vaccines, X-rays, and genetic engineering transformed healthcare and increased life expectancy dramatically. If scientists and doctors like Marie Curie, Louis Pasteur, Alexander Fleming, and Gregor Mendel had given in to their own doubts or external criticisms, countless lives would have been lost to preventable diseases or conditions, and the medical field would still be stuck in its primitive stages.

Without breakthroughs in medicine, many of today’s common diseases and conditions might still be incurable, and the global population would be far less healthy.

Space Exploration Would Be Nonexistent

Imagine a world where we never made it to the moon or explored Mars. The pioneering work of figures like Wernher von Braun, Yuri Gagarin, and Neil Armstrong involved overcoming incredible odds, rejection, and pressure to deliver the unimaginable: space exploration. The Apollo Moon landing in 1969, which was a result of collective confidence, risk-taking, and ambition, is a symbol of human perseverance.

If they had let fear and self-doubt prevail, we would not have the space technologies that now drive innovations in satellite communication, GPS, weather forecasting, and even medical research. Space exploration has shaped how we understand our place in the universe and has spurred numerous technological advancements.

Cultural and Artistic Progress Would Be Limited

Art, literature, and culture would be vastly different without the work of creators who faced rejection and doubt but pushed forward. Imagine a world without the artistic contributions of Vincent van Gogh, The Beatles, Toni Morrison, or Frida Kahlo, who faced personal struggles and periods of intense insecurity, yet still produced groundbreaking work. Art and literature not only reflect society but also drive change, and without bold creatives taking risks, much of human culture and progress would be lost.

Social and Political Movements Might Have Never Gained Ground

Democracy, the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights are all examples of progress driven by individuals who chose to keep fighting for change despite fears of failure, backlash, and self-doubt. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, and Harvey Milk faced immense obstacles, yet their courage and determination led to groundbreaking societal shifts that have changed the course of history. Without their confidence, these movements might not have gained traction, and the world would be a much less inclusive, equitable place.

Scientific Discoveries Would Be Delayed

Imagine if Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, or Charles Darwin had allowed their insecurities or doubts to stop them from pursuing their revolutionary ideas. Scientific progress depends on challenging accepted norms, thinking outside the box, and persisting despite setbacks. Without their contributions, we would still be in the dark about the laws of physics, the structure of DNA, or the origins of life.

Many other fields of study—such as quantum physics, chemistry, psychology, and engineering—would have stagnated, leaving humanity without the advanced knowledge necessary to address today’s complex problems.

Environmental and Sustainability Efforts Might Be Nonexistent

Environmental scientists and activists like Rachel Carson (author of Silent Spring), who raised alarms about pesticide use, or Greta Thunberg, who inspires millions to fight climate change, have faced significant doubt, criticism, and even personal attacks. If they had been paralyzed by these crises in confidence, the global conversation about climate change and sustainability might have never reached the mainstream.

The slow progress on environmental protection and sustainability efforts would mean greater damage to the planet and fewer advancements in green technologies like renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Conclusion

If every major invention or discovery had been abandoned due to a crisis in confidence, humanity would have been stuck in an endless cycle of mediocrity. The human spirit, which thrives on curiosity, innovation, and overcoming adversity, would have been severely limited. Society would likely have remained in a much more stagnant state, with limited opportunities for progress, development, and improvement.

Creative Confidence—the belief in one’s creative abilities and the courage to pursue creative ideas—is the driving force behind innovation, discovery, and human progress. Without it, we would not be where we are today. But the very fact that these pioneers chose to push through their self-doubt serves as a reminder: creative confidence can be built, and what follows can change the world.