Self-belief is something I found; it wasn’t something I innately possessed.

For a long time, I thought confidence and self-assurance were traits you were either born with or not.

But over time, I realised self-belief is cultivated, built brick by brick through experience, persistence, and sometimes a touch of what some might call delusion.

Believing in oneself often starts with an almost irrational confidence—a refusal to accept the idea that failure is permanent or defining.

For me, it’s not about thinking I might succeed; it’s about knowing I will. There’s a subtle but significant difference there. It’s not a hope or a wish; it’s a deep-seated conviction that no matter the obstacles, I’ll find a way through.

This mindset has motivated me to chase goals that, at one point, seemed unattainable.

It’s pushed me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and take risks I never thought I could handle. Self-belief is not about having all the answers or always making the right choices.

At 25, I certainly don’t have it all figured out. In fact, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes—some of them painfully stupid. But the underpinning ideal that sustains me is this: I know I will succeed, and every misstep is simply part of the journey.

Life is full of bumps and detours.

The road to success is rarely a straight line, and setbacks are inevitable.

But the way I see it, these challenges are stepping stones—each one teaching me something new, refining my character, and preparing me for what’s next. Self-belief isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about trusting your ability to rise again every single time.

If there’s one message I’d leave with anyone reading this, it’s this: Keep going. The only person truly stopping you is you. Believe in yourself, not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not.

Hold onto that belief even when it’s tested, even when doubt creeps in. Because the truth is, you’re capable of more than you realise.

Mistakes, failures, and struggles—these aren’t signs you’re off track; they’re proof you’re trying, learning, and growing. And if you keep going, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Follow me on twitter: @HarryGbc

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P.S.: Day 9 of writing on article dot app

Today’s Thought:

Progress is like compound interest—it might not feel significant day by day, but over time, the growth is exponential. Keep showing up, and watch how small efforts turn into big results.