Confidence is the special sauce that makes everything a little easier, from speaking up in a meeting to making new friends or stepping outside your comfort zone. But let’s be real — not everyone wakes up feeling like they can take on the world. Plenty of people struggle with hesitation, self-doubt, or just plain nerves when faced with new hurdles.
So, how can we support those who hesitate to step forward?
The good news is that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t, according to entrepreneur Uri Ansbacher, who believes with the right mindset and a little encouragement, even the most hesitant among us can start stepping forward.
Ansbacher shared four key ways to help boost confidence and bring out the best in everyone.
1. Create a Space Where It’s OK To Mess Up
People can be hesitant because of fear — fear of being wrong, looking silly, or not being taken seriously. And honestly, who hasn’t been there? That’s why it’s so important to create an environment where it’s OK to make mistakes and learn from them without feeling judged.
Here’s how Uri Ansbacher makes that happen:
— Encourage Open Conversations: Let people know their thoughts matter. When everyone’s ideas are welcomed (even the half-baked ones), it becomes easier to share.
— Embrace the Learning Curve: Mistakes are part of growth. When people see that learning from missteps is the norm — not a cause for embarrassment — they’re more likely to take risks.
— Drop the Blame Game: Instead of focusing on who got it wrong, focus on how to make things better next time. That way, trying something new doesn’t feel so daunting.
— Celebrate Small Wins: A little encouragement goes a long way. A simple “that was a great idea” can work wonders in building someone’s confidence.
2. Help People Build Their Skills (and Believe in Them)
Hesitation often stems from feeling unprepared — public speaking, learning a new hobby, stepping into leadership, or facing the unknown can all feel intimidating. That’s why building skills is key. It transforms doubt into capability and fear into action.
Some simple ways to support growth:
— Find a Mentor or Guide: Having someone to show the ropes makes all the difference. A little guidance can go a long way in boosting confidence.
— Practice Makes Progress: Rehearsing for a presentation or testing a new skill in a low-pressure setting helps build familiarity — and confidence.
— Set Small, Achievable Goals: Confidence grows step by step. Tackle bite-size tests before diving into the deep end.
— Encourage Learning at Every Stage: No one becomes an expert right away. The more we normalize learning as a lifelong process, the less intimidating it feels.
3. Redefine What Confidence Looks Like
Uri Ansbacher believes that confidence doesn’t always look like having the loudest voice in the room or being the first one to take charge. In reality, it comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes it’s more about quiet self-assurance than bold declarations.
So let’s shake up the way we think about what confidence means:
— Acknowledge Different Strengths: Some people shine in one-on-one conversations rather than group settings. Others might lead through careful planning instead of being the first to speak up. There’s room for all kinds of confidence.
— Create Low-Pressure Ways To Participate: Not everyone is comfortable jumping into a fast-paced discussion. Giving people alternative ways to share, like writing down ideas or small group chats, helps more voices be heard.
— Play to Individual Strengths: Some people thrive on big-picture thinking, while others are detail-oriented. Recognizing different strengths helps people contribute in ways that feel natural to them.
— Encourage Everyone To Own Their Style: There’s no single “right” way to be confident. The more people embrace their unique strengths, the more self-assured they’ll feel.
4. Give Feedback That Lifts People Up
Nothing builds or crushes confidence faster than feedback. How we discuss progress can determine if someone continues to grow or retreats into hesitation.
Here’s how Uri Ansbacher gives feedback to strike up confidence:
— Be Specific and Encouraging: Instead of saying, “Nice job,” point out exactly what worked well. It helps people see what they’re doing right and builds their self-trust.
— Frame Feedback as Growth, Not Criticism: Instead of “You need to work on speaking up more,” try “You had some great ideas — let’s find ways to make sure they’re heard.” The difference in tone makes all the difference in confidence.
— Check In Regularly: A one-time pep talk is great, but real confidence grows with consistent encouragement and guidance.
— Celebrate Progress: Acknowledging both small steps and big leaps helps people feel seen and stay motivated to keep progressing.
At the end of the day, confidence isn’t something only a lucky few are born with. When we create safe spaces, cheer each other on, and ditch the old-school idea of what confidence “should” look like, we make it easier for people to speak up.
And the best part?
When more people step up and own their voice, the world gets way more interesting — because great ideas finally get the spotlight they deserve.
