Confidence and courage—two things we all want more of, right? But here’s the thing: they’re not something you either have or you don’t. They’re skills. And like any skill, you can cultivate them with practice. I think that’s such a freeing idea because it means there’s always room to grow, no matter where you’re starting from.

The first thing I’ve learned is that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from action. Seriously, just starting is half the battle. A lot of times, we hold back because we’re afraid of failing, but the truth is, you learn so much by simply trying. Even if it doesn’t go the way you hoped, you’re building experience. And experience leads to confidence. So, start messy. Start small. Just start.

Courage, on the other hand, is often about stepping into the unknown. It’s scary, no doubt about it, but the way through fear is by facing it. One trick I use? I ask myself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Nine times out of ten, the answer isn’t as bad as I imagine. And even if it is, I remind myself that I’ve faced hard things before and made it through. That’s courage—trusting yourself to handle whatever comes next.

Another way to build both confidence and courage is by celebrating your wins, no matter how small they seem. Did you speak up in a meeting? Finish a project you were nervous about? Ask someone for help? Celebrate that! Acknowledging what you’ve done well helps you internalize the idea that you’re capable, that you can take on challenges and succeed.

Surrounding yourself with the right people matters, too. You know, the ones who encourage you, who remind you of your strengths when you forget. Confidence grows when you’re in an environment that supports it. And courage? It’s easier to be brave when you know someone’s got your back.

And lastly—this one’s big—be kind to yourself. Self-doubt is normal, but don’t let it stop you. When that little voice in your head says, “You can’t do this,” try saying, “I’m learning. I don’t have to have it all figured out.” Because honestly, you don’t. Confidence and courage aren’t about knowing everything—they’re about showing up anyway.