Dani Grieveson’s Top Tips for Building Robust Confidence
In my work with pioneering leaders, I see every day how confidence doesn’t just happen - it’s built. It’s really NOT about luck or natural talent; it’s making practical steps anyone can take.
Think of confidence as a muscle: with the right attention and consistent practice, it grows stronger. So, if you’re ready to bring a solid sense of confidence into your personal and professional life, here are my top tips.
1) Focus on your strengths
It’s natural to think that to improve, we need to work on our weaknesses. While that has its place, robust confidence comes from leaning into what you’re already good at. When working with clients, I often emphasise identifying and maximising their strengths. It’s a refreshing approach that not only helps boost confidence but also opens doors to new ways of thinking and leading.
Start by listing three strengths you rely on in difficult situations - remind yourself of these daily, and you’ll feel a shift.
2) Create micro-goals
A big part of confidence is momentum. Instead of setting huge, overwhelming goals, break them down into micro-goals that keep you moving forward. Each time you hit a milestone, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that fuels your confidence. Many leaders I work with use this approach, and it’s effective for creating progress without feeling like you’re climbing a mountain. With each small win, you’re reinforcing belief in your capability, one step (win!) at a time.
3) Challenge self-doubt
We all have an inner critic, and it can be a confidence killer if left unchecked. I’ve personally battled with my inner voice, believe me. Instead of ignoring doubts, acknowledge them, then replace the voice with positive self-talk and thought patterns. Robust confidence doesn’t mean being fearless - it means feeling the fear but moving forward regardless. I’ve found that the most successful leaders have learned to manage their inner critic, choosing to move forward with self-compassion instead.
4) Be authentically YOU
True confidence doesn’t come from perfection or pretending to be someone you’re not - I do NOT agree with those who tell you to “fake it ‘til you make it” - what nonsense. It’s about showing up as the TRUE and REAL you. When you embrace your unique qualities, you connect deeply with your work and the people around you. In my sessions, I encourage clients to drop any “performance” mindset and focus on bringing their true selves to their roles - it’s transformative.
5) Visualise your success
Visualisation is more powerful than it sounds. Take a few minutes each day to visualise yourself succeeding in an area that’s important to you. Picture yourself in challenging situations handling things with calm and clarity. Visualising success has been shown to activate the same areas of the brain as if you were actually experiencing it. This is something I bring into my work, especially for clients facing high-stakes situations, and it’s proven to strengthen their confidence.
6) Surround yourself with positivity
Confidence is contagious. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and uplift you. Many leaders I work with recognise that their circles can have a huge impact on how they see themselves and their abilities. Create a network that lifts you up and gives you that extra boost of confidence when you need it most.
Building lasting confidence…
This isn’t about grand gestures or pretending you’re confident - it’s about trust in yourself, showing up authentically, and recognising your value. Building robust confidence takes time, but by focusing on your strengths, setting achievable goals, and managing self-doubt, you’ll create a foundation that’s strong and resilient.
If you’re ready to develop a mindset that can handle the challenges ahead, I’d love to explore how we can work together to build that confidence and see your potential take flight.
