Daniel Priestley on Confidence: It’s a Result, Not a Starting Point

In a recent LinkedIn post, Daniel Priestley challenges the conventional wisdom around building confidence, arguing that it is a byproduct of action, not a prerequisite for it. He contends that many individuals mistakenly believe confidence must come first before they can undertake a task or pursue a goal.

The Action-First Approach to Confidence

Priestley emphasizes a practical, experience-driven path to self-assurance. He posits that true confidence is earned through repetition and consistent effort. To illustrate his point, he uses relatable examples from everyday life.

“Confidence is the gift you get after doing something 30 times.”

As Daniel Priestley notes, this consistent exposure and practice lead to an internal shift. He elaborates on this concept using familiar scenarios:

“For example, if you ride a bike 30 times, you become confident riding a bike. If you drive a car 30 times, you’re confident driving a car. If you speak on stage 30 times, you get that extra bit of confidence.”

Debunking the Myth of Pre-emptive Confidence

The core of Priestley’s argument is a direct refutation of the idea that one must feel confident before acting. He believes this mindset creates a barrier to progress for many.

The Cycle of Action and Confidence

Daniel Priestley argues that the sequence is crucial: action precedes confidence. This cycle, when repeated, builds a solid foundation of self-belief.

“People think you get the confidence first, and then you do the thing. It doesn’t work like that.”

According to Priestley, the correct sequence is clear:

“You do the thing 30 times, and then you get the confidence.”

This perspective offers a powerful reframe for anyone struggling with self-doubt. Instead of waiting for confidence to appear, Priestley encourages individuals to focus on consistently taking action. Each repeated action, he suggests, contributes to a cumulative boost in confidence, making subsequent attempts easier and more assured. This practical approach empowers individuals to break through initial hesitations and build genuine self-efficacy through tangible experience.

Priestley also announced a free, live workshop aimed at entrepreneurs, promising to share a 5-step process for becoming a recognized and respected figure in their industry, including a Q&A session.