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_{What we’ll learn today}

• Self-efficacy

• Building the muscle

• The power of repetition

• That goal is at the end of hard things

Albert Bandura, a social-cognitive psychologist, introduced the concept of self-efficacy in the 1980s. In simple terms, self-efficacy refers to the belief in your ability to accomplish a specific goal.

It’s the mindset of “I can handle tough challenges.”

For leaders, high self-efficacy is essential. They need to truly believe that success is achievable.

Your level of self-efficacy can also influence how disciplined you are with habits and even your overall performance in your career.

However, affirmations alone won’t cut it.

Your mind can see through empty statements and counter with a less convincing narrative.

So how can you strengthen your self-efficacy?

1/ Action – This is the most important factor. Be intentional in taking action, putting yourself out there, and gaining experience.

Being action-oriented means making progress by moving forward, especially when feeling stuck, stressed, or uninspired.

Take that first step. Show up consistently.

_{Newsletter Recommendation —>}

2/ Do the hard things – I’m not naturally a great presenter or public speaker, but I was asked to present on a topic to over 50 people.

It made me incredibly nervous and uncomfortable.

The negative self-talk was loud.

I was way outside my comfort zone and had never done anything like it before.

But I rose to the challenge and delivered.

The presentation went really well, and it became a turning point for me.

My confidence in public speaking and presenting skyrocketed from that moment on.

3/ Repetition – Think of your belief system as a container that might only be 25% full. Developing competence in a skill boosts your sense of control and confidence, filling up that container.

It makes a significant difference.

Repeated actions allow this confidence to compound over time.

However, like any resource, your belief system can run dry if you don’t keep challenging yourself with hard things.

So even if you feel highly confident after a recent success, it’s crucial to keep pushing forward and stepping outside your comfort zone.

4/ Identity – As you tackle more challenges and step into discomfort at work and in life, your identity starts to evolve.

You shift into “I am someone who can take on tough challenges and achieve my goals.”

This belief becomes second nature, and these positive habits lead to even greater growth.

Final words

In the end, building self-efficacy is a journey that requires consistent effort, action, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Each challenge you overcome and every step you take strengthens your belief in your own abilities. Repetition reinforces that belief, and over time, it transforms your identity into someone who confidently tackles hard things and achieves meaningful goals.

To keep progressing, it’s essential to continue pushing forward, embracing discomfort, and feeding your growth through action. The more you do, the more you believe—and that belief becomes the foundation for lasting success.

What’s surprising is that the goals or achievements you’re striving for are often quite simple, waiting at the end of doing the hard things.

Hit reply and let me know what you thought of today’s newsletter.

David

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