Confidence Isn’t Given — It’s Practiced
I used to think confidence was something you either had or didn’t. Like some people were just born with it — bold, fearless, certain — while others were meant to stand in the background, quietly cheering them on. I spent a lot of time waiting for someone to hand it to me, as if confidence was an invitation to a party that everyone else was already at.
The Practice of Becoming
Over the years, I learned that confidence isn’t something you receive — it’s something you build. And you build it by practicing, over and over again, even when you don’t feel ready.
Each time I spoke up when it would’ve been easier to stay quiet.
Each time I showed up trembling but still showed up.
Each time I admitted I didn’t know something but was willing to learn.
Those moments didn’t feel like much at the time, but together they became the foundation of my confidence.
Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed. It’s shaped by the small, quiet moments when you choose to show up anyway.
Redefining What Confidence Looks Like
When I talk about confidence, I’m not talking about being loud or always having the answers. Real confidence, the kind that lasts, can be quiet. It’s the whisper that says, “I’ll try.”
Confidence isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the willingness to move forward despite it. And that’s something anyone can cultivate.
For me, the shift came when I stopped waiting to feel confident and started focusing on being consistent. That’s where the practice lives — in action.
The truth is, confidence grows every time you do the thing you said you couldn’t do.
Watch the Full Conversation
In my latest YouTube video, I share a few moments from my own journey that reminded me how important this practice really is — from launching new projects to stepping into rooms where I once felt invisible.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it here:
Confidence Isn’t Given — It’s Practiced
Each rebuild, each restart, each quiet “yes” to myself — those were all proof that I could do it again. That you can do it again, too.
A Practice for You
Here’s a small challenge — something I call a “confidence practice.”
Identify one thing you’ve been putting off because you don’t feel ready.
Take one small step toward it this week. (It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be done.)
Reflect: How did it feel? What did you learn about yourself?
Confidence doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it whispers, “Try again.”
Confidence isn’t about never feeling fear — it’s about trusting yourself to move through it.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for being here for my very first Substack article. This space will be where I share reflections like this — the things I’m learning, unlearning, and practicing — all in real time.
I’ll link my YouTube videos when the topics align, and I hope this becomes a space where we grow together — honestly, creatively, and without pretense.
Because if there’s one thing I know for sure:
Confidence isn’t given. It’s practiced. And we’re all still practicing.
With gratitude and love,
Leigha T. Porter
💌 If this resonated with you, hit leave a comment about your journey of creative growth, confidence, and culture. Let’s keep practicing — together.