The Power of Confidence … Believing in Yourself Encourages and Inspires Others
I read multiple blogs throughout the week created by others. When the message connects with me … one that I want to share with my emails, contacts, and friends, I do the ask: can I reprint your blog within mine and resent it out? Author and leadership expert Marsha Haygood was a favorite. Often, she got my “ask” to reshare her words and sage advice. Instantly, her response was a YES.
With great pain, I watched my colleague, my friend, and my client slowly fade. During her months of chemo, we had regular drop everything and let’s just girl talk time. Oh, sometimes talk of her upcoming book with her coauthors or the latest I was working were woven. But mostly, it was just being present for each other. A gift.
Marsha’s light diminished just a few weeks ago. Her words remain. With this month’s launching of The Next Little Black Book of Success with coauthors Elaine Brown and Rhonda McLean, Marsha’s mentoring vision and words continue. I encourage you to get a copy here: https://amzn.to/4afll2J
I among many thousands will miss her. It’s time for me to share her words once again that come from a previous blog she wrote. With her previous permission, I’m reposting for all of you.
The Power of Confidence … Believing in Yourself Encourages and Inspires Others
by Marsha Haygood
Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about believing that you’ll figure it out as you go. Remind yourself that your courage doesn’t just impact you—it gives others permission to rise.
Confidence can be built with one intentional step at a time.
Step 1: Remember How Far You’ve Come
Your past wins prove you can do hard things. Revisit them often.
Action Tip: Create a “Confidence File.” Write down three moments when you pushed through doubt or achieved something you weren’t sure you could. Keep that list on your phone or in a journal for the days you need a reminder.
Step 2: Talk to Yourself with Respect
If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
Action Tip: For one week, track your inner dialogue. Every time you catch a self-critical thought, flip it.
• “I’m not ready” → “I’m learning as I go.”
• “I’m not good enough” → “I’m growing into this.”
• “I failed” → “I found another way not to quit.”
Positive self-talk isn’t fluff—it’s fuel.
Step 3: Build Confidence Through Action
You don’t wait to feel confident—you act yourself into confidence.
Action Tip: Do one small thing this week that makes you slightly uncomfortable—speak up in a meeting, pitch an idea, or volunteer to lead. Each time you take action, you prove to yourself that you can.
Step 4: Share Your Confidence
Confidence grows when it’s shared. Your example might be exactly what someone else needs.
Action Tip: Encourage someone this week. Compliment their progress, not just their results. Tell them how you see their potential. You’ll be surprised how empowering it feels — for both of you.
Step 5: Keep Confidence in Motion
Confidence isn’t a destination; it’s a daily decision.
Action Tip: End every week by writing down one thing you’re proud of—big or small. Over time, these notes become a powerful reminder of your progress.
Believing in yourself isn’t just about achievement—it’s about showing others what’s possible when they believe too. Be the proof.
Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and bestselling author of 48 books and calls Colorado home. When she’s not in the kitchen or in the garden, she’s working with clients as The Book Shepherd, a book and publishing consulting and project management firm that works with authors at all stages of their book to create and publish a book they never regret! She’s the founder of the first Authors’ Hall of Fame exclusively dedicated to ensuring the legacy of authors connected in some way with Colorado.
Judith’s books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! They have been featured in over 2,000 radio and TV shows including repeat appearances on CNN, CNBC, and Oprah. She has worked with over 1,500 authors and created 500 plus bestsellers. Print publications include Newsweek, People, Time, The Wall Street Journal and … The National Enquirer! Her popular podcast, AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing is dedicated to authors and writers and their success and is ranked in the top ten in four categories on GoodPods.
©2026 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.