Confidence is learnable.

Confidence is on my mind these days. In part because the membership is working on developing confidence this month, and in part because I am really obsessed with giving my young dog confidence every time we train. (I have Moxie to thank for the latter and my coaching clients for the former.)

Desperate to not repeat the mistakes I made with Mox, I am (perhaps) hyper-fixated on ensuring 16-month-old Kelsea doesn't just learn skills, but that she's CONFIDENT in those skills. This means I'm slower to move up the proverbial ladder, spending more time at each progression point. I make sure there is no question in her eyes, which takes more patience than I normally have (LOL).

But since this isn't a dog training blog, what does this have to do with our performance mindsets? It's simple: we rarely do the same for ourselves. Think about it, when was the last time you allowed yourself to be confident in something before you tried it? Personally, I can't remember! I feel like I'm always "trialing by fire," as the expression (sorta) goes.

In so many ways, we don't have the luxury to wait for confidence before we act, instead, we gain confidence by putting ourselves out there. In other words, confidence comes after. So this means two things. First, we need to give ourselves some grace when we are nervous or hesitant when it comes to pushing ourselves. Second, we must remember that confidence is learned - which means we can learn it!

Building confidence starts with small, intentional steps. It’s about practicing techniques that help you feel prepared, like setting clear goals for each session, reflecting on your progress, and using mental tools like visualization and positive self-talk to reinforce your strengths. Embracing a growth mindset is key—seeing each setback as a lesson, rather than a failure, can help you bounce back stronger and more self-assured. Confidence also grows through celebrating wins, no matter how small, and reminding yourself of the progress you’ve made along the way. It’s about creating habits that, over time, help you feel grounded, capable, and ready to face any challenge in the ring.

Besides joining the membership this month (non-subtle hint), here are two exercises to start building your confidence.

1. Strength Inventory

Set aside a few minutes to make a list of your strengths as a handler. Think about moments where you felt capable, prepared, or resilient in your training or in the ring. Write down specific skills you have, qualities you bring to your partnership with your dog, and any accomplishments you're proud of—big or small. The key is to focus on what you already do well. Keep this list somewhere you can revisit it often, especially on days when self-doubt creeps in. Reflecting on your strengths reminds you of the solid foundation you're building on and reinforces that you have what it takes.

2. Visualization Practice

Before your next training session, take 3-10 minutes to practice visualization. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and picture yourself confidently handling a successful session or competition. See yourself moving smoothly, communicating clearly with your dog, and overcoming any challenges with ease. Imagine the emotions you'll feel—calm, focused, and proud. Visualization helps create a mental “blueprint” of success and primes your mind to perform with confidence. Start with small, specific scenarios, and work your way up to visualizing entire sequences or events. This simple exercise can be a powerful way to build mental resilience and reinforce positive outcomes.