Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the phrase so many of us hear yet sometimes struggle to embody: believe in yourself. It’s not just a mantra or motivational poster—it’s a time-tested principle with roots stretching back to the Old English “belyfan,” meaning to have faith or confidence, and even further to ancient ideas of self-trust and care, as traced by Etymology Online.

But why does believing in yourself matter? Psychologists like Albert Bandura describe self-efficacy—the belief in your own power to affect outcomes—as essential for setting ambitious goals, persevering through challenges, and bouncing back from setbacks. GrowingSelf.com notes that people with high self-efficacy have what’s called an internal locus of control, genuinely trusting their actions will make a difference. Meanwhile, doubting yourself often leads to giving up before you even start.

Compelling stories give this idea life. Think of the countless headlines from the past months: in early 2025, several athletes at the Special Olympics World Games credited their medal wins to self-belief and the support of their coaches. One powerlifter, who was expected to drop out due to an injury, visualized her success, used affirmations before every session, and pushed through—proving that mindset, not circumstance, was her greatest strength.

What does the science say about growing self-confidence? Psychologists at StartMyWellness advocate simple daily habits, like visualization—mentally rehearsing your successes—replacing critical self-talk with supportive statements, and celebrating even the smallest victories. Ensora Health therapists suggest setting realistic goals, gradually facing fears, and reframing negative thoughts. Repeated, these actions wire your brain for confidence rather than doubt.

Of course, self-belief has its boundaries. As The Guardian explored this summer in a feature on Silicon Valley, there’s a fine line between self-assurance and delusion. Healthy self-belief is grounded: it’s the conviction that through effort, learning, and persistence, you can grow and adapt. Delusion, in contrast, ignores feedback, denies reality, and refuses to recalibrate in the face of evidence.

Listeners, believing in yourself doesn’t mean denying challenges or never feeling afraid. It means acting in spite of fear, building confidence through practice and kindness to yourself, and knowing that setbacks are just stops along the journey. Whether you’re facing your own big moment or cheering someone else on, remember: genuine progress starts when you dare to trust in your own potential.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI