That little voice of doubt can be really loud sometimes can't it? It whispers that you’re not good enough smart enough or capable enough. I get it. We all have moments where our self-esteem takes a hit making it hard to believe in ourselves. Building genuine confidence isn’t an overnight thing. It’s a journey often paved with ups and downs.
Here at GoodExistence.com we believe that a strong sense of self-worth is foundational to living a truly good life. It affects how you show up in your relationships your work and even how you care for yourself.
Small Steps Big Confidence
Our founder Stephen Montagne knows this journey firsthand. He’s shared openly about his past struggles with things like gaming binge eating and an unhealthy lifestyle. Losing over 110 pounds (that’s more than 50 kilograms) wasn't just about physical transformation. Each small healthy choice each workout completed each unhealthy habit overcome was a brick laid in the foundation of his self-esteem.
He found that building a productive routine with short bursts of focused work celebrating those small wins along the way and practicing daily gratitude significantly boosted his belief in himself. Even strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith played a huge role giving him an inner strength and purpose that radiates confidence. His story shows us that confidence isn't something you're just born with. You build it step by step.
Words to Lift You Up
Sometimes all we need is a little reminder of our own strength and potential. That’s where powerful words can make a difference. Quotes can act like little nudges encouraging us to shift our perspective and believe in ourselves a bit more.
So I’ve gathered 25 confidence quotes to help boost your self-esteem. Think of them as friendly whispers of encouragement. Read them. Reflect on them. Let them sink in.
25 Quotes to Boost Your Self-Esteem
Here are some words of wisdom to carry with you:
- "Believe you can and you’re halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt
- "The moment you doubt whether you can fly you cease for ever to be able to do it." – J.M. Barrie
- "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "You yourself as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection." – Buddha
- "Confidence is not ‘they will like me.’ Confidence is ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t.’" – Christina Grimmie (This one really hits home. True confidence comes from within.)
- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." – Eleanor Roosevelt
- "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." – William James (Every small positive action counts.)
- "The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence." – Blake Lively
- "Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." – Samuel Johnson
- "You are braver than you believe stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." – A.A. Milne (A lovely reminder for those tough days.)
- "Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." – Benjamin Spock
- "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability one can build a better world." – Dalai Lama
- "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage." – Dale Carnegie (This is so true. Stephen found that taking action even small steps was key to overcoming his unhealthy habits.)
- "Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong." – Peter T. McIntyre
- "Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now." – Mark Victor Hansen
- "One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." – Arthur Ashe
- "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." – Helen Keller
- "If you have no confidence in self you are twice defeated in the race of life." – Marcus Garvey
- "Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude." – Michelle Obama
- "The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you." – William Jennings Bryan (This resonates with losing weight or breaking any habit. Each success builds on the last.)
- "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." – Christian D. Larson
- "Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours." – Richard Bach (Choose to argue for your strengths instead.)
- "It is confidence in our bodies minds and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures." – Oprah Winfrey
- "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." – Michael Jordan
Making These Words Your Own
Reading these quotes is a great start. But how can you make them truly work for you?
- Pick a favorite: Choose one or two quotes that really speak to you right now.
- Write it down: Put it on a sticky note on your mirror your desk or as your phone wallpaper.
- Say it out loud: Repeat your chosen quote to yourself especially when you feel doubt creeping in.
- Reflect on it: Think about what the quote means to you personally and how it applies to your life.
Beyond Quotes: Everyday Confidence Builders
While quotes are fantastic mental boosts lasting confidence comes from consistent action and self-care. Think about Stephen’s journey. He didn’t just wake up confident.
- Celebrate small wins: Did you choose a healthy meal? Did you complete a small task you’ve been putting off? Acknowledge it. These wins add up.
- Build healthy routines: Stephen found that short bursts of deep work and a consistent routine helped him feel more capable and in control. A simple morning routine can set a positive tone for your whole day.
- Practice gratitude: Noticing and appreciating the good things in your life shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. This naturally boosts how you feel about yourself and your circumstances.
- Take action: Like Dale Carnegie said action breeds confidence. If there's something you want to achieve break it down into the smallest possible step and do that one thing.
Building self-esteem is an ongoing practice not a destination. Be patient with yourself. Some days will be easier than others. The key is to keep showing up for yourself to keep choosing self-belief even when it feels hard.
Which of these quotes resonated with you the most today? Take a moment to think about why and perhaps one small thing you can do this week inspired by that quote to nurture your own confidence. You’ve got this.
