19: Building Confidence After a Long Plateau
You've done the hard work of naming what's shifting. You've gotten honest about the season you're in. And now? There's this new feeling sitting in the space you just cleared, uncertainty.
Let's talk about what comes next: confidence that comes from trusting yourself again.
When Confidence Erodes (And Why You Didn't Notice)
Here's the thing about confidence: it doesn't disappear overnight. It erodes slowly. So slowly, in fact, that you might not even realize it's happening.
Maybe you stayed in a season that stopped fitting a while ago. Maybe you've been making decisions because you have to, not because you want to. Or maybe you've been repeating the same routines simply because they're familiar and stepping outside that comfort zone feels like too much.
Over time, you stop trusting your instincts because you haven't been using them.
Your inner decision-making muscle? It needs a little reconnecting.
The Plateau Problem (And Why Big Moves Aren't the Answer)
When you've been in a long plateau, nothing feels urgent. You're stable. Safe. But also... stuck.
There's no feedback loop. No momentum. And honestly? You're probably not looking for one. You've been doing what you need to do to stay steady, and that's okay. But it also means the needle hasn't moved in a long time.
So what do most women do? They swing hard in the opposite direction. They make a drastic change for the instant momentum. While that feels like progress, it's usually not sustainable.
Real, lasting change doesn't come from the big leap. It comes from the small steps you actually follow through on.
Small Steps That Build Big Momentum
Let's reframe what a "step" even looks like.
It's not overhauling your entire life. It's not quitting your job or moving across the country (unless that's truly what's calling you).
Sometimes, a step is:
Saying no when you'd normally say yes
Making time for something that now energizes you, instead of what used to
Choosing rest without apologizing for it
These moments might feel minor. But they're not. They're proof that you're aligning with yourself again. Every time you do that, every time you make a decision and don't fight it, you start to trust yourself a little more.
That's momentum. That's how confidence rebuilds.
What "Strong" Actually Looks Like
Strong doesn't mean you feel 100% sure. It doesn't mean you've got it all figured out or that you're charging ahead without hesitation.
Strong is being honest with yourself. It's being consistent. It's growing even when it's quiet.
It's choosing the right next step, not trying to take the full staircase at once.
Let January Be About One Thing: Rebuilding Trust in Yourself
If January is about anything, let it be this: rebuilding trust in yourself through consistency.
You've already identified what's shifting. You've named what drains you and what support you need. Now it's time to choose one small step that honors those decisions.
If you've already walked through the Second Act Pathfinder, go back and revisit your responses. Look at what you wrote. Choose one small step that aligns with what you already know.
If you haven't signed up yet, this is your moment. The Second Act Pathfinder helps you walk through your next steps with clarity, whether that's a career change, a side hustle, a new hobby, or just something new you're exploring.
You've already done the hard work. Now let yourself enjoy it.
If this resonated with you, make sure you're subscribed to Second Act Simplified, and if you know someone standing in the same place you are, share this with them. Sometimes the reminder that we're not alone is the step we needed most.
Ready to keep going? We have you covered:
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