Confidence = Competence (Here’s the Formula)

Stepping into any new role brings a surge of doubt.

Whether it’s your first day on the job or your first time leading a team—confidence doesn’t show up with you.

I felt it most when I transitioned from college into the Army. After years of training, I was suddenly responsible for 40 soldiers watching every move I made. They weren’t looking for perfection. They were looking for competence. And I wasn’t sure I had it yet.

Why We Lack Confidence

Confidence disappears when the unknown dominates:

• You don’t know what challenges will come.

• You don’t know how you’ll respond under pressure.

• You don’t know what’s expected—or if you’ll measure up.

That gap between what we know and what’s coming is the birthplace of fear.

The Competence Shortcut

What I discovered is simple: the fastest way to close that gap is through competence.

• Build Knowledge: Study relentlessly. For me, it meant military history, tactics, and leadership principles.

• Build Skill: Get good at the tasks that matter most. I made sure I could shoot straighter and run faster than the men I led—not because I needed to be the best at everything, but because setting the standard mattered.

• Build Reps: Experience stacks. The more you put yourself in hard situations, the more you remove the unknown.

Every hour spent studying, practicing, or pushing myself physically chipped away at fear. Slowly, confidence emerged—not because I willed it, but because I’d built the competence to back it up.

The Trap to Avoid

There’s a risk here. Some people spend forever trying to “close the gap” before they act. They study, practice, and prepare endlessly, but never step into the arena.

That’s just another form of fear.

Competence doesn’t mean perfect. It just has to be enough to take the next step. Once you’re in motion, you keep stacking reps, learning, and improving. That’s how real confidence compounds.

The Bottom Line

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build.

When you feel fear creeping in, don’t wait for confidence to magically appear. Close the gap: gain knowledge, build skill, and step into the challenge.

Competence is the foundation. Confidence is the reward.

Stay sharp. See you next Saturday.