7 Ways to Be More Confident When You Feel Like a Failure
Feeling more confident can be a struggle, especially when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Whether you’re pursuing your passion, running a creative business, or simply trying to overcome daily hurdles, confidence is the foundation for growth and success. And if you’ve ever felt stuck, wondering if you’ll ever reach your goals, you’re not alone.
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you can nurture and grow. Here are seven practical and powerful ways to boost your confidence, reset your mindset, and move forward toward achieving your goals. Plus, I’ll share how my Level Up Your Goals Workshop can help you build momentum and clarity to tackle your dreams head-on.
1. Stop Labeling Yourself a Failure
The first step to building confidence is letting go of the belief that past mistakes define you. Experiencing failure doesn’t make you a failure—it’s simply part of the journey to success. Think of failures as stepping stones, not roadblocks. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, focus on what you’ve learned and how those lessons can shape a better future.
Action Tip: The next time you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and reframe. Remind yourself: “I’m learning, growing, and moving forward.”
2. Reflect on Your Wins—Big and Small
It’s easy to get caught up in what you haven’t done, but taking time to reflect on your successes—even small ones—can be a game-changer. Maybe you completed a project, hit a milestone in your business, or simply got through a challenging day. Celebrate those moments.
Action Tip: Keep a “win journal” and jot down at least one accomplishment each day. Over time, you’ll have a collection of wins to inspire you during tough times.
3. Turn Mistakes into Opportunities
Every mistake is a chance to learn. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask yourself, “What can I take away from this experience?” Learning from your mistakes can provide clarity and direction, helping you avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
Action Tip: After a setback, write down three lessons you’ve learned and one positive action you can take moving forward.
4. Remember That Everything is Temporary
When you’re in the middle of a tough situation, it can feel permanent. But the truth is, most challenges are temporary. Reminding yourself that “this too shall pass” can help you shift your focus from the problem to the solution.
Action Tip: Create a list of times you’ve overcome obstacles in the past. Use those memories as proof that you can handle whatever comes your way.
5. Find Inspiration from Role Models
Sometimes, seeing someone else overcome similar challenges can reignite your hope. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or someone you admire from afar, learning from their journey can give you the confidence to push through your own struggles.
Action Tip: Identify a role model who inspires you and study how they handled setbacks. If possible, connect with them for advice or encouragement.
6. Surround Yourself with Support
Having a strong support system can make all the difference when your confidence wavers. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a supportive community, or faith-based encouragement, lean on those who lift you up and remind you of your worth.
Action Tip: Share your wins, struggles, and goals with someone who believes in you. Their encouragement can help you stay motivated.
7. Embrace New Possibilities
Sometimes, a lack of confidence comes from feeling stuck in the same routine or plan that isn’t working. Be open to pivoting and trying new approaches. A fresh perspective or strategy can boost your confidence and reinvigorate your journey.
Action Tip: Identify one area in your life where you feel stuck and brainstorm alternative paths or solutions.
Boost Your Confidence and Take Action
Building confidence takes time, but with intentional effort, you can transform your mindset and reignite your passion. Remember, confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about believing in your ability to grow, adapt, and succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Join my Level Up Your Goals Workshop and gain the tools and strategies you need to confidently pursue your dreams. Let’s make this your year to shine!
Which tip resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Julie, thank you for your admission about suffering from depression, and double thanks for not letting that be the full purpose behind this post. As someone who also suffers from depression, sometimes we need to hear from people we admire that we share that common trait, but then to be reminded that it’s part of who we are and that it doesn’t define us. Also, kudos to you for not being afraid to discuss what many people are afraid to say out loud. There is still such a stigma, but, like you, I’ve chosen to be open about it. As a result, it’s brought many blessings into my life. Again, thanks. And thanks for being such an inspiration to so many.
Thank you!
Thank you for this post Julie. It’s good to know that when you are sad or have the blues that you are not alone. I use several of your 7 ways to help when I’m having a really bad time. I’m going to try an incorporate your other suggestions in my life. Thanks for being so supportive to us.
Talk about timing…yesterday I experienced much of what you have written and no clue as to what brought these thoughts and feelings to me. I asked for God’s help so that I would get-through and let go of those thoughts and feelings…need I say more. Julie, thank you soooooo much for sharing “Your” words with us today and you will be included in my prayers. You take care of You…
Awe, this made my day. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing of yourself Julie, and the words to be reread when feeling ‘down.’
Ditto, ditto, ditto to all the above that Trudy posted! You will probably never know how many of our lives YOU have touched, and blessed! God uses many people, places, and timing of life’s events for His purpose in our lives, definitely in mine!!! He has led you in your life and path, and in turn you we all can seen His awesoneness through you with EVERYTHING you do! Thank you for sharing this helpful post.
Thank you!
Thank you
Julie thank u so much for all u do.
thank you for being “YOU” You are my role model and I admire your honesty about yourself, Julie. I admire that in a person very much! There are too many phonies in this world! Thanks for the tips on being confident! Thank you also for the New Years Wreath info, will make one soon. Much appreciate you! Thanks also for caring about me!! Pat from Ohio
Thank you
Good advice! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. As you well know, when you are down, you tend to feel so alone. Although as a Christian we know we aren’t, however, it does help to know other smiling faces share the same struggles.
Again, thank you.
Julie, thanks for sharing! I plan to incorporate these tips when I’m feeling less than confident. I am very much enjoying these videos, and I appreciate your honesty. I can tell watching you that you truly care about your viewers (members). You are an inspiration to me. May God bless you!
Julie, the word ‘depression’ caught my eye…..as I suffer from severe depression and have for a VERY long time. I read your post. None of those things are new to me….but however, none of those have helped me.
I am in such a BAD place and have been for so long. I pretty much feel useless, hopeless and helpless. I am in therapy…and have been for a long time. I just struggle every day to get out of bed. I have NO purpose and can not seem to find one !!!! I wish I could believe there is ‘ a light at the end of the tunnel ‘ but I do not see one. But I do find some solace knowing that I am not alone. I shall add you to my prayers.
Laura,
These are tips that have helped me tremendously over the past 3 years
Volunteer – I volunteer at church (find a bible based church), I help others learn a new craft, I help others grow their businesses, etc. I find that when I help others, it makes me feel complete. There are tons of places to volunteer but make sure you pick one that is near and dear to your heart. Helping others is so fulfilling.
Change your diet – Cut out the sugar and white flours/breads
Exercise – Exercise 3 days a week minimum. It’s hard to get motivated at first to exercise but force yourself for your mental health. Just walking 20 minutes makes a huge difference.
Vitamin D – I take vitamin D during the winter since I don’t go outside as much as I do in the summer.
K-Love Radio – Listen to K-Love radio in the car, at work, etc.
Stop watching the news!
Hang out with people who inspire you and motivate you. People you want to be more like. No people who wallow with you (this was HUGE for me). People tend to hang out with like minded people once I realized some of my friends, needed me to be miserable with them, it was a huge eye opener.
I’m making these suggestions out of love and they have helped me. Commit to do them for 30 days and see if your mood improves.
I’m praying for you.
Julie
Julie, Thank you so much for sharing your story as it hit home with me. I too suffer from depression and anxiety and know how hard it can be some days to get out of bed. It made me feel so much better to know that someone like you understands. I appreciate your tips on staying positive and plan on using them regularly. Thanks again for sharing. Eve Hasty
Thank you.
Julie
Thank you for sharing this post. You are very new to me as I am just starting this new chapter in my life of designing Wreaths. I’m not sure how I found you with so many wreath designers out there but I’m SO glad I did. You are the whole package of not only making beautiful wreaths but your sharing of this post and what I have already learned from you shows me the wonderful sides of you. God Bless and I look forward to following your wisdom advice and creativity in Wreath designs. A beautiful Wreath makes me smile.
Thank you
Julie, Thank u for sharing. I also suffer from depression. Most people do, but just will not admit it. You are such a wonderful, giving, fun loving person.I have never met u, but I can tell from your free spirit attitude. You have shared your knowledge in wreath making with everyone, openly & freely. You give more than u realize. I will pray for God to intervene and pull u out of this. Roman’s 15:13-May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. God Bless You!
Thank you and blessings to you.
Julie, if I want to send you an email, due I send it to Southern Charm Wreaths? I’m also in the Wreath of the month club.
Thanks
You can also click the contact me or contact us here on the site.
Julie – love, love this. Thank you so much for sharing.
I apologize for just now replying to this. I’ve been super busy with the launch and it being 4th quarter. Our project, Creators Digest, is not affiliated with Hometalk in any way. We chose designers we knew personally and have been networking with for about a year. Hometalk right now has a specific demographic and your designs may not fit that demographic is all. We would love for you to come on Creators Digest page and do a live.
At moments like this is when I evaluate how to get in front of my target audience, my avatar. You are not a failure. Your designs are spectacular and I’ve been a huge fan of yours for a while. Prayers to you. – Julie
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been battling weight loss and often gets overwhelmed with trying to stay focused on my goal. I get a little depressed from it, but as stated, I’m going to focus on my wins or times when I had good moments.
Shuntae
Loved this post Julie, thanks … I also suffer from depression actually depression is part of my life since i was a teenager , crafting have always helped me to overcome my dark days … Thanks so much for sharing this …. I printed this article and posted on my craft room. join this club has been a blessing because this unusual times we are living in the middle of this pandemic is causing a lot mental stress on everyone. God bless you and thanks for inspiring us everyday !
Julie, thank you so much for sharing. I feel this article was written just for me. At times I feel my wreaths are not good enough to compete with the competition and then I stop working on them for weeks. I must learn from my mistakes and not consider them as failures. One thing I’m going to do tonight is to re-evaluate my plans. Maybe I will make my wreaths on a seasonal basis instead of full time. You gave me 7 ways to improve my confidence not only with wreath making, but other areas of my life. I’m so grateful that I read your article! Thank you again.