Finding Confidence to Do What You Want

A few years ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life — leaving a secure, well-paid job to take a new direction. It was a big leap, and it wasn’t easy, especially in the middle of a pandemic. In facts five years ago today, as I write this, was my last day as an employee! But something in me knew I needed a change. I wanted to focus on work that felt meaningful — supporting people to make positive changes in their lives — and to use my experience in communications to continue helping charities and community projects with a wellbeing focus.

That decision took confidence, but not the loud, motivational-quote kind. Real confidence is quieter. It’s the inner voice that says “you can do this” even when part of you is terrified. It’s not about ignoring fear — it’s about moving forward despite it. And, as I soon discovered, confidence doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly. Change brings challenges, doubts, and the odd moment of panic. But those moments teach you resilience. They help you grow.

Before I became a hypnotherapist, I’d actually benefited from hypnotherapy myself. It helped me manage anxiety and build back belief in myself. That experience was powerful — it showed me how much difference the right support can make when you’re ready to move forward. It also helped me understand what I now see every day with my clients: real change isn’t about quick fixes or magic solutions. It’s about commitment, patience and the courage to take that first step.

We live in a world full of self-styled “gurus” promising instant transformation if you just follow their formula. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one person might not work for another. And that’s okay. The most important thing is finding what works for you — your pace, your goals, your version of success.

It’s also easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Someone else’s highlight reel can make your own progress feel slow or inadequate. But comparison kills confidence. You never really know what someone else’s journey looks like behind the scenes. Focus on your own steps. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

In my work, I see people at many different stages of change — some just starting to explore what’s possible, others building on progress they’ve already made. Every session reminds me that growth doesn’t happen in a straight line. There will be good days and not-so-good days. But each challenge you face builds strength. Each small win builds confidence.

Looking back, I’m glad I took that leap. It’s led to thousands of sessions with clients, countless conversations, and endless reminders of how capable people really are when they trust themselves. Confidence doesn’t come from pretending to have it all figured out. It comes from showing up, doing the work, and learning along the way.

I’ve always liked the saying “leap and the net will appear.” It captures the courage it takes to take a risk, to back yourself and trust that things will work out. But I also think it’s important to balance that optimism with realism. Leaps are easier when you’ve thought about where you might land — when you’ve built a few options or safety nets of your own. Taking a chance doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything will fall into place. It means moving forward with hope and awareness, knowing that even if things don’t go exactly to plan, you’ll find your way through.

So if you’re thinking about making a change — whether it’s a new career, a personal goal, or simply wanting to feel more in control — start with this: believe in your ability to take one step forward. Then another. That’s where real transformation begins.

If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy can help you, book a free consultation.