Have you ever wondered if it's possible to genuinely boost your confidence in just one week?
I’m Dr. Ellen Reed, and having spent years guiding parents through the twists and turns of parenting, I know firsthand how overwhelming life can feel. Confidence often feels like one of those elusive things—like trying to grab smoke. But here's the good news: building confidence doesn't have to take months or years. In fact, I've seen parents significantly change their mindset and feel genuinely more confident in as little as seven days. Here's how.
Confidence Starts with Daily Habits
Let me tell you something from personal experience: confidence grows from doing things, not just thinking about them. Many people mistakenly believe confidence is something you either have or don't have. That's a myth. Confidence is a skill, something you build through action. Researchers support this too, highlighting a clear relationship between self-confidence and improved performance.
Here's one simple habit you can start today: each evening, reflect on the things you did well, even if they're small. I call these your "done wells." It could be as straightforward as handling your child's tantrum calmly or making it to soccer practice on time. When you consistently recognize your successes, you'll naturally start believing in yourself more. I've talked about the power of this practice more in-depth when explaining how to start building parental confidence through focusing on achievements you've done well.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone—Even Slightly
Real confidence isn't about always knowing what to do; it's about being brave enough to act anyway. Think about the last time you did something that felt a bit scary but ended up being a positive experience. Maybe you spoke up in a parents' meeting or finally had that tough conversation with your teenager. These little acts of bravery are how you stretch your comfort zone and, ultimately, build confidence.
This isn't just theoretical. My co-founder Dr. Jason Selk regularly emphasizes the power of confronting fears directly. The key isn't doing massive, overwhelming tasks. It's about consistently tackling small challenges every day. Over seven days, these small steps build momentum and genuine confidence.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Many parents I've worked with struggle because they're too hard on themselves. Trust me, I've been there. But I've learned (often the hard way) that beating yourself up when things don't go perfectly does more harm than good. Instead, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion can significantly improve your outlook and self-belief.
In fact, science backs up this approach, showing mindfulness practices can improve your self-confidence by reducing anxiety and increasing emotional resilience (positive psychology research). Simply spending a few minutes each day acknowledging your emotions and allowing yourself to feel without judgment can shift your perspective dramatically.
Your Confidence Influences Your Children
One thing parents often overlook is how their own confidence impacts their children. Kids notice everything. They absorb your emotional state, behaviors, and attitudes more than you'd imagine. When you're confident, your children naturally feel safer and more assured. This makes a huge difference when you're actively working on raising confident kids. Confidence, like kindness, often spreads from parent to child.
Think about this: every step you take to feel better about yourself helps your kids, too. They mirror you, learning how to handle their own insecurities and fears by watching your example.
Track Your Progress—It Matters
One reason why so many of our users see noticeable improvements is that they track their progress. Writing things down makes progress tangible. At Level Up, we encourage users to maintain a journal because seeing your improvements on paper can transform how you perceive yourself. Consistently engaging in mindful practices can significantly build your confidence and reduce daily stress.
This isn't some vague promise. In fact, after just a week of tracking your successes and practicing self-compassion, you'll notice your internal dialogue shifting. Instead of immediate self-criticism, you'll begin to notice your strengths and progress.
You Can Change Your Confidence in Just Seven Days
So, can you build genuine confidence in just seven days? Yes, you absolutely can. It starts with your willingness to try small actions consistently. Over the next week, commit to these simple daily practices: acknowledge your "done wells," step slightly out of your comfort zone, practice mindfulness, and journal your progress.
Building confidence isn't magic—it's a predictable result of consistent, meaningful action. Give yourself permission to start small. By the end of this week, you might be surprised at just how differently you feel.
References
- "Self-Confidence." PositivePsychology.com, positivepsychology.com/self-confidence/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
- "The Relationship Between Self-Confidence and Performance." Trine University, 2023, www.trine.edu/academics/centers/center-for-sports-studies/blog/2023/the_relationship_between_self-confidence_and_performance.aspx. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.