By Kerry Frank
July 22, 2025
“I used to think confidence was something you earned after you succeeded. But the truth is, your brain needs confidence before you even take the leap. The moment you believe you can, your brain lights up, firing more clearly, learning more quickly, and silencing the noise of selfdoubt. Confidence isn’t ego. It’s the spark that tells your brain: we’re safe to try, to grow, to rise.”
This week, several people reached out to me struggling with confidence. And yesterday, everything came full circle, so I thought, let’s talk about it.
If you were at the Cubs game, you may have seen this beautiful woman, Jami, knock the National Anthem out of the park in front of 38,117 fans. And guess what? Just minutes before she stepped up to the mic, I got the chance to speak with her to encourage her with words spoken in full confidence.
From the stands or on TV, you would never guess she was nervous. Her voice was flawless. But even someone as talented as Jami can wrestle with selfdoubt in the final moments before a performance. And that reminder hit me deep: so many of us are just one kind word away from stepping into our boldest selves.
In my own journey, I remember those words people gave me at just the right time, ones that lifted my confidence and carried me through the tough stuff. A quick comment from a team member saying I was a great boss. An email from a client after a big presentation saying I crushed it. That one message could give me the fuel to power through months of obstacles.
That got me curious. What is it about confidence that makes such a big difference? So I asked my friend ChatGPT to look up the brain science behind it. And it turns out, it’s not just emotional, it’s neurological.
Confidence Isn’t Just a Feeling. It’s a Brain Boost
“Confidence isn’t just a mindset, it’s a neurological advantage. When you believe in yourself, your brain performs better, learns faster, and recovers quicker. Doubt drains energy; belief builds momentum.”
Here’s what the science shows:
1. Confidence Strengthens Neural Pathways
Confidence helps build stronger, faster connections in your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision making and focus. This means clearer thinking and quicker action.
Studies show confident people have more activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the area tied to self trust and value based decisions.
2. Confidence Lowers Stress
Lack of confidence is linked to higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which messes with memory and emotional regulation. But confidence brings cortisol down, allowing your amygdala and hippocampus to function in sync.
3. Believing You Can = Better Performance
It’s called the self fulfilling prophecy. When you believe in your ability, your brain literally performs better.
A Harvard study showed students told they were “smart” (regardless of IQ) scored better on tests because confidence improved cognitive performance.
4. Confidence Changes Brain Chemistry
Confidence triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical. This boosts motivation, learning, and resilience, making it easier to recover from setbacks and keep going.
So Here’s My Challenge to You: If you’re struggling with confidence, beyond self doubt and overthinking, remember: there’s real science behind why it matters. Just like building muscle at the gym, confidence grows with use. Yes, it takes effort. But the more you work it, the stronger it gets, and eventually, it becomes second nature.
This week, do one thing you’ve been avoiding because of a lack of confidence.
Maybe that’s applying for a new job.
Maybe it’s submitting an idea you’ve been sitting on.
Maybe it’s performing in front of others, or simply saying hi to someone in the coffee shop you’ve always wanted to meet.
Whatever it is, take the step. Train your confidence like a muscle, because every rep counts.
And while you’re at it, find someone else to encourage. Speak life into them. Cheer them on. You never know how far your words might carry someone who’s quietly struggling.
#Leadership #Confidence #Neuroscience #SelfBelief #ProfessionalGrowth #WomenInLeadership
Kerry and Dude at Gus’ Sip & Dip