“Confidence comes from stepping out of your comfort zone, working toward goals that come from your own values and needs—not those determined by society.” (p. 31, Caroline Miller)

Kathryn’s Key Takeaways:

1. Confidence is a Better Predictor of Success than Competence (p. 17) – Research shows that success is often more about e than actual ability. Men consistently overestimate their performance, while women underestimate theirs, leading to fewer women pursuing new opportunities.
2. Perfectionism Holds Women Back (p. 107) – The need to be perfect can prevent progress. Women tend to apply for jobs only when they meet 100% of the qualifications, whereas men apply when they meet just 60% (p. 20). Perfectionism inhibits achievement by discouraging risk-taking.
3. Confidence Grows Through Action (p. 186) – Taking action, even in small steps, builds confidence. Mastering one skill can give you the courage to try something else (p. 40). Microconfidence strategies include:  meditation, gratitude, breaking challenges into manageable steps, and getting enough sleep(p. 163).

Actions to Take:

• Sign up for opportunities even when you don’t feel fully prepared. With no performance feedback, only 49% of women sign up for the next opportunity compared to 71% of men (p. 15).
• Let go of self-doubt.  If you are feeling hesitant, remind yourself that men rate their performance 30% higher than it actually is, so you go this (p. 19).
• Shift your focus. To do your best work, prepare thoroughly, then focus on how your contributions help your team or company (p. 151).
• Stop aiming for perfection. Confidence comes from experience, not flawless execution (p. 107).
• Speak up. When men are the majority in a group, women speak 75% less (p. 159). Challenge this by making your voice heard.

If you’d like to read The Confidence Code by Kitty Kay and Claire Shipman, grab your copy here.