How to to Build Real Confidence

The gist

1. Confidence is built through mastery experiences, not affirmations. Accumulating evidence that you handled something real is the most durable path.
2. Manson says confidence starts in one narrow area like public speaking or a craft, then gradually bleeds into other parts of life.
3. Break big goals into minimum viable actions, like meditating for 5 seconds instead of 15 minutes, to create early wins that compound.
4. How you explain your success matters. Attributing a good result to your effort builds self-efficacy; attributing it to luck does not.