It is courage that carries us to those first shaky steps, and as we continue, it transforms into confidence.

Confidence is a curious thing. We’re often expected to have it on demand, as though we can simply will it into existence. But confidence isn’t something we wish for—it’s something we build.

We develop confidence as we begin the climb. With every struggle and every milestone, we gain the assurance needed to keep moving forward. It’s through both our successes and our missteps that confidence takes shape.

But what inspires us to start the climb in the first place?

Courage.

Courage is what pushes us to step into the unknown, to embrace vulnerability, and to trust that we’ll find a way. Confidence is a curious thing. We’re often expected to have it on demand, as though we can simply will it into existence. But confidence isn’t something we wish for—it’s something we build.

We develop confidence as we begin the climb. With every struggle and every milestone, we gain the assurance needed to keep moving forward. It’s through both our successes and our missteps that confidence takes shape.

When I first started playing Pickleball, I was often told, “Just be confident.” But my attempts to summon confidence out of nowhere sometimes came across as arrogance. It wasn’t until years later that I realized confidence isn’t the starting point—courage is. Courage is the vehicle that drives us to confidence.

So here’s my encouragement: be courageous. Take that first step, and trust that confidence will follow.