Self-doubt. It's the little voice inside our heads telling us we're not good enough or that we're going to fail. Something we've all experienced at one time or another. Honestly, it can get draining. Interestingly, it does not take a huge jump to overcome self-doubt. There is no secret formula to gaining confidence. It takes small, manageable steps on a daily basis.

The fact is, confidence is a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it is. And just like a physical exercise, you don't start by jogging a marathon. You start with a brisk walk. The good news is, you can start building confidence, where you are, with just a few subtle changes.

1. Acknowledge Your Strengths

As people, we have a natural tendency to downplay our accomplishments or dwell on what went wrong. Spend a minute a day recording your accomplishments, no matter how insignificant you may think they are. Write them down and reward them in some way. In time, it will become habitual to focus on your positives instead of second-guessing yourself and your accomplishments.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Start small! Set goals that you can easily imagine accomplishing and reaching. With each item you check off your list, you'll feel pride that will enhance your confidence. The key is to make them achievable. Baby steps lead to big wins.

3. Calm the Inner Critic

That voice that tells you "you're not good enough" can be powerful, but you don't actually have to listen. Challenge the negative thoughts. Replace them with positive affirmations. It's not about silencing your inner critic completely, but about regaining control of it.

4. Take Action

Confidence is not a byproduct of thinking what you'd like to do—it's a byproduct of actually doing it. Take that first step, no matter how small, towards your desire. Whether it's sending that email you've been putting off or trying something new, action overcomes fear.

Remember that building confidence takes time. You will not wake up tomorrow morning and magically become 100% confident, but by consistently implementing small changes, you'll notice a difference. As you make these steps, also remember that you're not alone. Each positive step you take, however small, brings you closer to the confident version of yourself already living within you.