Habit is the only thing that creates certainty.
-John Stuart Mill
What do you habitually do, say and think? No matter what the answer is if it is a habit you’re getting confident. You may be getting confident that you’re not confident. No matter what it is if it is a habit it carries the power to create belief.
Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self: for that does fall within your control.
– Epictetus
Do you compare yourself to others? Before you can be who you should be, you have to be clear about who you are. Your process will only ever be your own and each and every one of us is extremely unique. Instead of comparing and inevitably competing with others, learn from them and add value to their lives.
We are in the habit of exaggeration, or imagining, or anticipating, sorrow.
-Seneca
Do you have a positive imagination? Focus on being competent in the now. Let yourself feel good about your competence, even in the smallest of things. This feeling will build if you let it and will lead to a healthy confidence. If you are confident in the now, your view of the future will be more optimistic. Think, write and really describe a positive image of tomorrow. Return to this positive image frequently.
Do not be troubled by the future: you will encounter it, if need be, with the same sword of reason in your hand that now serves you against the present.
-Marcus Aurelius
How do you view your future? Our focus should be on building confidence now. Use the present moment to cultivate a sense of strength before looking to the future. If you do this, your gaze will be tinted with courage and not with fear.
The Pocket Philosopher 