Why Courage Beats Confidence Every Time

Coach Chris
Oct 9
2 min read

“I’ll take Courage over Confidence.”

...a line I share that line with my clients all the time.

And I honestly will take courage over confidence every time. Because courage is what creates confidence.

In coaching conversations with clients, the word ‘confidence’ gets used by clients more than ‘courage’.

For example, if I’m asking a client what they need to go forward with their stated goal, they might say, “If I had more confidence I would do ‘the thing’…”.

In reality though, it’s courage.

Substituting ‘courage’ in for ‘confidence’ in that sentence above gives us this: “If I had more courage I would do ‘the thing’…”.

That version feels more accurate, doesn’t it?

But in the end, it’s not really about the word, is it…it’s about the process that builds confidence through courageous action.

Let me explain…

Confidence is built by doing hard things. And we only do hard things when our courage - and our WHY - are stronger than our desire for comfort.

Confidence comes from Courage.

And courage comes from facing challenges.

Courage comes from accepting what ‘is’. Not resisting what is.

Courage comes from asking for what we need and want.

Courage comes from owning our choices, emotions, and results. Even when they suck.

Courage comes from rooting in our WHY, values, and best-self identity.

Courage comes from practice… of all these things listed above.

Courage grows with practice.

It’s not a personality trait - it’s a choice! One small brave act at a time.

And before long, that courage becomes confidence. Not because the fear disappeared, but because you moved anyway.

Where in your life could you be more courageous?

What would being more courageous deliver for you?

Is the discomfort of applying more courage worth the results?

Confidence isn’t the starting point; it’s the outcome.

Each time you choose courage, you teach yourself that you can trust you. Each time you choose courage you cast a vote for the best version of you that you're becoming!

And that’s what real confidence is ...self-trust built through brave choices.

“I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.”

~Tracee Ellis Ross

One conversation can often be the turning point...reach out: info@coachingwithchris.ca