Building Unshakable Self-Confidence (Even When Self-Doubt Shows Up)

Tracy Astle
Sep 23
3 min read

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “They’ve got it all together. They’re so confident”?

It’s easy to assume that other people have more confidence than we do—but here’s the truth: everyone deals with self-doubt.

In a conversation I had with Confidence Coach, Amma Primicino, we dug into what real confidence is (and isn’t), and how you and I can build it—even when doubt tries to take over. Here are a few of my favorite takeaways.

💡 Misconception: Confidence is something others “just have”

From the outside, confidence looks effortless. But it isn’t about being louder, braver, or more polished than the person next to you.

True confidence isn’t about being flawless—it’s about knowing who you really are:

👉 A beloved child of God.

When your worth is rooted there, confidence has a solid foundation. It doesn’t vanish when you have a rough day or make a mistake.

💡 Self-worth vs. Self-confidence

This is where many of us get tangled up.

Self-worth is your unchanging value—God already gave you that. It’s not up for debate.
Self-confidence is the belief that you can show up, try something new, and keep going—even if it feels messy at first.

One is permanent. The other is a skill you can grow.

💡 Confidence is a skill, not a personality trait

Mel Robbins defines confidence as “being willing to try.” I love that because it takes the pressure off. You don’t have to feel completely ready—you just need the courage to take the first step.

That courage comes before confidence. And yes, it might feel uncomfortable at first. Starting at zero usually does! But every time you practice, you build that muscle.

Think of confidence like learning a new language, playing an instrument, or training for a 5K. Practice creates progress. Progress builds confidence.

💡 Tools for building confidence

Confidence doesn’t grow by accident. Here are some simple ways to develop it with intention:

✨ Practice small steps. Every time you show up, you’re proving to yourself that you can.

✨ List what’s true about you. Both earthly truths (your skills, experiences, strengths) and heavenly truths (your divine identity, God’s promises).

✨ Surround yourself with encouragers. Choose voices that lift you up, not tear you down.

✨ Soak in soul-filling input. Scripture study, music that brings peace, journaling, gratitude practices—these things realign your heart and mind when self-doubt gets loud.

✨ Try the “God as my life coach” journal prompt. Ask yourself: If God were sitting across from me, what questions would He ask to help me see myself more clearly? Then, write out your honest answers.

These aren’t one-and-done solutions. They’re daily, steady reminders that keep you anchored in truth while you build the skill of confidence.

💡 The role of self-doubt

Self-doubt itself isn’t the enemy. It’s normal! The problem is when we let it drive the car.

Instead of avoiding self-doubt, acknowledge it: “Okay, I see you. Thanks for trying to protect me. But I’m going to move forward anyway.”

Confidence grows every time you choose to act in spite of doubt.

💡 Remember: God is already doing the hard part

Sometimes we forget that we’re not carrying this alone. God isn’t sitting back waiting for you to figure out confidence by yourself—He’s already working on your behalf.

Your job? Show up willing. Take the small, courageous step. Trust Him with the outcome.

🌟 Final Thought

Unshakable confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself. It’s about remembering who you are, being willing to try, and letting God handle the heavy lifting.

When you practice these things, self-doubt loses its grip—and you start living unapologetically as the person God made you to be.

🎙️ Want to dive deeper? This week’s podcast episode with Amma Primicino is packed with encouragement and practical tips on building unshakable self-confidence in spite of self-doubt.

👉 Trust me. You don’t want to miss the full episode on my podcast. Find it here - Nourishing Body & Soul: The Podcast.

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If you’d like to learn more about this topic, click HERE to book a chat with me, or follow me on Facebook @Nourishing Body & Soul or on Instagram @tlastle.nourishingbodyandsoul