How to Overcome Fear and Build Confidence in Your Career

Building confidence is essential for career success. But how do you break free from the fear that holds you back?

For years, I struggled with a lack of confidence. I faded into the background, unsure of how to stand out amongst my peers. Early in corporate, I didn’t assert myself when it mattered. Fear of rejection and failure held me back from being my authentic self.

Can you relate? Maybe you, too, find yourself shrinking back when it’s time to take a bold step.

But what if facing that fear head-on could change everything? Here’s how you can step into your greatness:

1. Acknowledge Your Fear: What’s really holding you back? Is it fear of failure? Rejection? Or maybe it's that nagging voice that tells you you're not good enough? Awareness is the first step. Once you acknowledged those fears, you can begin to reclaim control.

2. Reframe Failure: Ever felt like a setback meant you weren’t cut out for this career? What if failure is not a reflection of you, but a stepping stone? What if each stumble is actually a lesson waiting to be learned? See setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for growth.

3. Set Small Goals: Do big dreams seem too overwhelming? What if you started small? Tiny, achievable goals can create momentum. Have you considered how a series of small wins could make a massive difference in your confidence?

4. Develop New Skills: Investing in new skills could be a game-changer you’ve been looking for. Could a new course or workshop be the key to levelling up your confidence?

5. Practise Self-Compassion: What if the most powerful thing you could do for your career is be kinder to yourself? Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. We can be our own worst critics. But treating yourself with kindness, even in the midst of setbacks, is one of the most powerful ways to build confidence.

6. Seek Guidance: Who’s guiding you right now? Do you have someone to lean on when the going gets tough? A coach can offer valuable insights and keep you on track.

7. Visualise Success: Picture yourself in your dream role. What does success look like for you? Visualising your success can actually boost your performance.

8. Take Action: It’s time to stop waiting. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone, even if it feels scary? Confidence grows through experience—what would happen if you took that first step today? There’s a quote I came across recently that changed my perspective: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” By deliberately placing yourself in situations that scare you, over time, you become immune to fear.

9. Build a Support System: Who’s in your corner? Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family can make all the difference.

10. Stay Persistent: How often have you given up because things got tough? Confidence takes time—what would your life look like if you kept pushing forward, no matter what?

This journey to confidence wasn’t overnight. There were plenty of obstacles, but I kept going. Every setback taught me something valuable, and persistence became my greatest ally.

Building confidence isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a continuous journey. By facing your fears, seeking growth, and embracing your unique path, you’ll build the confidence needed to achieve your career goals. For inspiration on overcoming fear, check out Jia Jiang’s TED Talk on What I learned from 100 days of rejection – it’s a game changer!

By Tarryn Johnson & Nkatya Musonda