How to Show Up Confidently in Your Business (Even When You Feel Like a Fraud)

I’ll be honest: I’ve had entire days where I stared at my laptop thinking, Who am I to be doing this? Days where I felt like any minute, someone would point at me and say, You don’t actually know what you’re doing, do you?

If that sounds familiar, congratulations—you’re human. And you’re probably dealing with imposter syndrome.

That sneaky little voice in your head that tells you you’re not qualified, not experienced enough, or that you’re just winging it while everyone else has it all figured out? Yeah, it’s lying to you.

The truth is, confidence in business isn’t about having zero doubt. It’s about showing up despite the doubt. It’s about learning to trust yourself, your work, and your journey. And today, we’re going to talk about how to do just that.

Where Confidence Really Comes From

People assume confidence is something you either have or don’t have—like it’s a personality trait. But that’s not true. Confidence is a skill. And like any skill, it can be built.

Here’s the secret: confidence comes from action. Not from waiting until you feel ready. Not from over-preparing. Not from magically waking up one day and thinking, Wow, I suddenly believe in myself!

Confidence is built in the doing.

Think about the first time you tried anything new—whether it was public speaking, launching your business, or even just learning how to parallel park. You weren’t confident before you did it. You were nervous, unsure, maybe even a little terrified. But you did it anyway. And every time you did it after that, you got better. That’s how confidence works.

So instead of waiting to feel ready, start doing. Confidence will catch up.

Practical Ways to Show Up Confidently (Even When You’re Nervous)

1. Reframe Your Self-Doubt

That voice in your head saying, You don’t know enough yet or You’re not qualified? It’s time to challenge it. Instead of letting those thoughts take over, reframe them. Try this: I have experience, and I’m learning more every day. I know more than I did yesterday, and I’m capable of figuring things out.

Our brains believe what we tell them. Start feeding yours the kind of thoughts that will push you forward instead of holding you back.

2. Focus on Who You’re Helping

Confidence wobbles when we’re too focused on ourselves—how we sound, how we look, whether we’re “good enough.” Instead, shift your focus to the people who need you. How can you serve them? What can you offer that makes their lives better?

When you make it about them, it’s easier to show up. Someone out there needs what you have to offer—and they don’t care if you feel a little nervous while delivering it.

3. Keep a ‘Proof’ Folder

Every time someone sends you a kind word, a thank-you email, or a positive review, save it. Create a folder in your inbox or on your desktop labeled Proof I’m Good at What I Do and drop everything in there.

On the days when self-doubt creeps in, open that folder and remind yourself: You are capable. You have proof.

4. Take Up Space—Literally

Confident people don’t shrink themselves. They take up space—physically, emotionally, and in their industries. Practice this in small ways:

• Stand tall in conversations instead of slouching.

• Speak clearly and boldly without over-apologising.

• Stop minimising your work with phrases like Oh, it’s nothing or I just got lucky. You didn’t. You earned it.

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You belong here. Start acting like it.

5. Adopt a Confidence Ritual

Before a big meeting, presentation, or launch, do something that makes you feel strong. Play your favourite power song. Do some deep breaths. Watch a motivational clip. Stand in a power pose for 60 seconds.

Sounds silly? Science says otherwise—research shows that physical actions can influence your mental state. So if you need to trick your brain into confidence, go for it. Before long, it won’t be a trick anymore.

6. Take Action Before You Feel Ready

Here’s a secret: No one feels ready. Even the people you admire the most have moments where they think, What if I fail? The difference is, they act anyway.

The best way to build confidence is to do the thing before you feel ready. Show up. Post the content. Offer the service. Say yes to the opportunity. Every time you push through discomfort, you’re proving to yourself that you can do it.

7. Surround Yourself with Confident People

Confidence is contagious. If you’re constantly around people who doubt themselves, that energy will rub off on you. Find a community of business owners who take bold action. Learn from them, be inspired by them, and start absorbing that mindset into your own business.

8. Keep a Confidence Journal

Every night, write down one thing you did that required confidence. It could be posting something vulnerable, speaking up in a meeting, or setting a boundary. Over time, you’ll see tangible proof of your own growth—and that builds unstoppable confidence.

You won’t wake up tomorrow and suddenly feel unstoppable (and if you do, teach me your ways). But if you start practicing confidence today—if you show up, take action, and trust that you’re growing—you’ll notice a shift. One day, you’ll realise that the things that once terrified you now feel… normal.

So go do the thing. The confidence will follow.

Need support in showing up boldly in your business?

Check out our services and let’s get you there together.

business confidence, impostor syndrome, entrepreneur mindset, self-doubt, showing up in business