Self-doubt is a relentless enemy. One moment you feel like you can take on the world and the next, that little voice in your head whispers, are you sure you are good enough? What if you fail?
I know this battle all too well. But let me tell you about Uthred, our Belgian Tervuren. Most people mistake him for a Belgian Malinois and honestly, I do not mind. They are close cousins, both incredibly intelligent, loyal and full of energy. But just like us, they do not start off as fearless warriors. They have to learn.
When we first got Uthred, he was all over the place. Jumping at shadows, unsure of commands and hesitating before taking on new challenges. He wanted to do the right thing, but uncertainty held him back.
I see the same thing in so many people, myself included. We want to step forward in confidence, but fear of failure makes us pause. We doubt our abilities, our path and sometimes even our purpose.
WHAT UTHRED THAUGHT ME ABOUT CONFIDENCE
The funny thing about dogs like Uthred is that they are born with everything they need to be strong, capable and fearless. But if they don’t trust themselves (or their handler), they hesitate. They need training, repetition and encouragement before they step into their full potential.
And isn’t that exactly how we are?
Confidence is not something we are born with; it is something we build. And just like Uthred had to trust our guidance, we have to trust God to lead us, even when we do not feel ready.
HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE LIKE A BELGIAN TREVUREN!
- Trust the proses
Growth takes time. Just because you do not feel confident today, does not mean you won’t be stronger tomorrow.
2. Train your mind
Just like a dog needs consistent training, we need to train our thoughts. Instead of thinking I am not good enough, start with saying I am growing and learning every day.
3. Listen to your trainer
Uthred has learned to trust us, just as we need to learn to trust God. He is not setting us up to fail. He is preparing us for what is ahead.
4. Take small steps.
Confidence is not something that you wait for. It is something that you build by taking action, even when you are scared.
5. Remember who you are.
Uthred was always meant to be strong, courageous and skilled. And so were you.
You were not created to live in self-doubt. You were made to stand firm, to grow, to learn and to trust in the One who created you.
Take that first step. Even if it is small. Even if you do not feel ready. Because confidence is not about never being afraid. It is about moving forward despite fear.
And then one day, just like Uthred, you will realize, you were unstoppable all along.