The Confidence-Competence Loop Works Like Magic (here’s how)
The punchline for this one is short and sweet: confidence comes from competence. So welcome to the confidence-competence loop.
This post explores what this loop is, why it works so well and how to take advantage of it.
Because at the end of the day, who doesn’t love a system that basically runs itself – where the output is more input for more output, which is more input for…well, you get it.
So without further ado, let’s jump in – let’s get it.
Table of Contents Show
What Is the Confidence-Competence Loop?
You can probably imagine the meaning behind this loop. But here’s a quick definition.
The confidence-competence loop is like a feedback loop, whereby competence creates confidence and that confidence creates more competence.
As loops do, the input creates more output, which creates more input, and so the cycle repeats.
This all makes a lot of sense.
When we’re actually competent at something (or sufficiently prepared), our confidence is simply higher.
The real trick is in starting the loop (which often requires those awkward first steps and stumbly beginnings).
But before we get into my tips for building your own loop, let’s look at why it works so well.
The Confidence-Competence Loop Works (here’s why)
Simply having enough skill isn't enough.
We also need to actually believe in our skills (i.e., ourselves) to fully capitalize on things.
But, as Charles Bukowski puts it, the problem is that “…the intelligent people are full of doubts”.
Luckily, the confidence-competence loop is one effective remedy.
But why does it work so well?
Here are some reasons why:
Taking the first steps on something – anything – can feel daunting. But afterwards, there’s often a rush of confidence and excitement, as we realize the thing wasn’t so bad. This tends to create more action and more confidence.
Neuroplasticity tells us that our brains can rewire itself and form new neural networks and pathways at any age. Put another way, our skill level (competence) is fluid and like a muscle that can be strengthened.
The compound effect – it’s a real thing.
Both confidence and competence create inspiration and motivation, which add a lot of fuel to this fire.
How I’m Creating A Confidence-Competence Loop (4 steps)
Having the knowledge isn’t enough – so let’s put things into action.
This is how I’m using the confidence-competence loop in my own life.
I hope these tips and my overall “system” help you like they do me.
1. Know Exactly What You Want (+ stay focused)
Distraction and overwhelm from too many opportunities are modern maladies.
So to get this loop moving, we need focus and specificity. We need to know exactly what it is we want and why.
And we can’t change our minds often (you know, when things get hard, less fun or another shinier object comes along).
So this first step is all about preparation and getting clear on what it is you want. So:
What do you want to be more confident at?
What do you want to be more competent at?
How come?
Answering these pivotal questions will add guardrails to your loop journey.
Having our north stars and purpose dialed in is always a great first step.
2. Take the First Step (using activation energy)
Competence and confidence start with taking the first step.
So after we know what we want and why, we need some action – not even a lot, just enough to get started.
We need activation energy.
Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required to start a reaction (a concept borrowed from chemistry).
So all we need to do is 1.) define what our individual activation energy is, 2.) figure out how to create it and then 3.) use it.
Easier said than done, I know.
(But far from impossible)
As a musician and artist, my creativity and drive are often a motivation or confidence issue (perhaps due to too much self pressure or my looming imposter syndrome).
It could also just be laziness…
But either way, I like to use the activation energy principle to kick things off. It refocuses my big tasks as just taking small steps forward.
Because once you finally find the energy to take that first step, you’ll likely find that motivation and mood come shortly after.
The takeaway here is to never rely wholly on motivation for starting or getting things done – it’s too fleeting. But you can often create it by simply taking action.
For me, my activation energy is spontaneous and quick.
And I know I can create it through things like meditation, watching inspirational videos or just circling back to my why or my core motivations.
This is clutch, because taking incremental steps day in and day out works – it’s sustainable and supports new habit formation.
It creates a confidence-competence loop.
So even if it’s just 5 minutes of taking action, getting into that 5-minute habit will be a powerful key to unlocking 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, then 1 hour, and so on.
At this point, we just need to get this loop going.
3. Become Unconsciously Competent
I’m not sure if there is a universal competence scale, but it may be the hierarchy of competence.
The hierarchy of competence is a system for measuring your competence and your awareness of that competence.
At the start, you don’t even realize you're incompetent at something, but eventually, you become so good at it, it becomes subconscious.
Unconscious incompetence: you don’t even realize you’re incompetent; complete novice.
Conscious incompetence: you realize you’re incompetent; beginner.
Conscious competence: you realize you’re competent; intermediate-advanced.
Unconscious competence: you don’t even think about how competent you are; expert.
Taking consistent action and forming new habits is important.
But an even cooler goal would be to reach a level of competence that’s so good, you become unconscious to it.
You don’t even think about it anymore.
It’s where your skill becomes automatic and second nature.
This is where the fun really starts. This is where the loop really starts moving efficiently.
So my goal at this stage is to become automatic in my competence and skill acquisition.
This requires a lot of practice and focus.
But I promise you, if you just show up everyday and do the work, the only result will be awesome (unconscious) competence (as long as you’re pushing yourself, that is).
4. Expand (+ don’t get lazy)
The competence-level journey never ends.
Because there are no finish lines and goal posts always keep moving (which is way more fun anyways).
Similarly, to keep up with your skills and the trends in your niche, you need to continue improving and maintaining.
For example, just because I practice daily and I’m finally able to belt that coveted c5 note in my music doesn’t mean I can stop vocal training.
If you stop working towards your goals (even after you hit them), they tend to go away or become less impactful over time.
So expansion and inertia are key here. They’re your last step to building and maintaining solid confidence-competence loops.
So here are some takeaway tips I use for expanding things and not getting too complacent:
Fall in love with the the process, not the destination
Build complimentary skills to streamline and expedite things
Stack the cards in your favor (your inner circle, your environment and the content you consume)
Stay patient and have realistic time horizons
Reframe setbacks and failures – fall in love with failure
Don’t look for outside approval or validation
Have fun and be chill about it – stress and anxiety rarely help
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