Building Confidence to Support Your Educational Goals

As you work toward your degree and reflect on your long-term educational goals, it’s important to pay attention to your self-confidence — your belief in your ability to succeed. Confidence, or a lack of it, can influence how you approach challenges in your academic, professional, or personal life. Strengthening your self-esteem can help you seize opportunities and maintain momentum; conversely, self-doubt can slow your progress.

Here are 10 actionable strategies to help build confidence and support your success in school and in daily life:

1. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

If you notice discouraging thoughts, pause and consider what’s driving them. Rather than assuming failure is inevitable, remind yourself of past successes and your capacity to learn. Reframing thoughts from “I can’t do this” to “I can try, and I’ll improve” helps quiet harsh self-criticism.

2. Take Action Despite Doubt

Growth often comes through experience. When opportunities arise, accept challenges even if you aren’t fully confident yet. Create a plan, ask questions, and dive in — the process of doing can help reinforce your belief in your capabilities.

3. Recognize and Record Your Achievements

Confidence builds when you acknowledge what you’ve accomplished, both big and small. Set short-term goals (daily or weekly) and track your progress. Whether you complete a challenging assignment, contribute in class, or balance your commitments, noting your wins can help you see how far you’ve come.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Physical and mental wellness are closely linked to confidence. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and restful sleep lay a strong foundation. Also, consider how you present yourself — dressing in a way that feels professional and confident can reinforce how you feel internally.

5. Limit Unhelpful Comparisons

Social media often highlights others’ achievements and successes, but comparing yourself to curated images and updates can damage self-esteem. Try to stay grounded in your own progress and goals, rather than measuring yourself against what you see online.

6. Face Your Fears

Identify areas where you feel insecure — public speaking, group work, or other stressors — and proactively plan to address them. Ask: which parts can I control and improve? Where do I need to accept my limits? Recognizing what’s in and out of your control can help you respond more confidently.

7. Surround Yourself with Support

Relationships matter. Seek out people who uplift you — friends, classmates, mentors — and limit time with individuals who drain your energy or make you feel inferior. Positive, encouraging connections can reinforce your growth and belief in yourself.

8. Use Confident Body Language

Research suggests that nonverbal behavior — how you sit, stand, or even smile — can influence your internal confidence.¹ Adopting a posture of confidence, maintaining eye contact, and practicing “power poses” can help boost how you feel.

9. Learn from Role Models

Identify people (in your field or elsewhere) whose confidence and achievements you admire. Engage with them if possible, ask for advice, and observe how they navigate challenges. Their behaviors and mindset can serve as a realistic model as you grow your own confidence.

10. Make Time for What You Love

Confidence also comes from engaging in meaningful activities outside your obligations. Whether it’s a hobby, creative pursuit, or time with loved ones, doing what you care about can help reinforce a positive identity and provide emotional rest.

Why Confidence Matters — Backed by Research

Self-esteem isn’t just about feeling good — it has meaningful effects on academic engagement and performance. A recent study of university students found that higher self-esteem is associated with better academic engagement, which in turn can support stronger academic outcomes.² When students believe in themselves, they are more likely to stay emotionally and behaviorally invested in their learning.

Summary

Confidence is not fixed — it can be developed through intentional practices. By applying these strategies, you can gradually strengthen your self-belief, navigate challenges more effectively, and support your academic journey with a more resilient mindset.

¹ Toader, A., Martinez-Lopez, J., & Igelsias-Gallego, D. Self-Esteem among University Students: How It Can Be Improved through Teamwork Skills. Education Sciences, 14(1), 108. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/1/108 (visited 11/17/2025).
² Acosta-Gonzaga, E. The Effects of Self-Esteem and Academic Engagement on University Students’ Performance. Behavioral Sciences, 13(4), 348 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10136102/ (visited 11/17/2025).

REQ2177677 12/2025