How do we become more confident in our everyday lives? Having confidence makes it possible for us to march forward in our life and take on new and exciting challenges.

As a young child, you had no idea how to turn on a light. The idea of cause and effect that comes from turning on a light switch was a mystery to you. Now, you turn on lights each and every day and think nothing of the experience at all.

As the age of 15 or 16, operating a vehicle was undoubtedly frightening (even though it was also very exciting). Your first time behind the wheel was probably filled with feelings of fear of the unknown. How were you going to stay in the lane, park the car, drive the speed limit?

Today, you drive a car daily and it has become a mindless act that takes almost no thought. A previously frightening experience has become a regular, every day activity.

You first day of school you were probably scared of the unknown. You didn’t have any friends yet and you didn’t know anyone. The same is probably true of your first day at a new job or any new experience with people.

This can be a frightening experience. You are walking into unknown territory without a friend because you haven’t met anyone yet. Yet you look back days, months, or years later and your most meaningful memories of your school or work experience are the dear friends you have made over time.

Confidence is proceeding with the scary things your life even thought they are scary. The more you fill your life with new experiences regardless of whether or not you are scared, the more confidence you will have.

Check out the full Ask Mary Morrissey: How to Get Confident video. If you want to watch Mary’s other video answers to life’s big questions, visit the Ask Mary Manin Morrissey blog.