Do It Scared: Authentic Confidence Advice for Professional Women Ready to Level Up
You know what you want.
You can see it — the speaking opportunity, the dream job, the freedom to call your own shots.
You’ve imagined it. You’ve researched it. You may have even mapped out what it would take to get there.
And yet, you still haven’t done it.
You’re fully capable. You already know that. But you’re also waiting to feel ready.
The truth: you’re never going to feel ready. So, you do it anyway. Even when scared.
Why?
Because confidence isn’t a feeling. It comes from doing. And that’s true whether you’re launching a business, asking for the raise, or speaking up in a meeting for the first time.
That’s what I’ve learned from my own experience and through coaching dozens of professional women to grow authentic confidence.
Ready to level up? Read on to learn how.
The Preparation Trap
There’s nothing wrong with research and planning. In fact, I teach my clients to do exactly that — find out what the new thing actually requires, then build a plan to get there.
But at some point, preparation can displace the goal itself.
How?
You can visualize the presentation. You can rehearse what you’ll say in the interview. You can research the opportunity until you know it cold.
But none of that will make your goals materialize — until you take steps toward them.
The Floor Will Not Open Up and Swallow You
Here’s what women tell me they’re afraid of:
Looking foolish
Failing
Feeling like a fish out of water
Those fears are real. I’m not going to tell you they’re not.
Your voice could crack. People might not understand. And you may begin to question if you really can do that thing.
But if you believe in your goal, do it anyway. Even when scared.
Because two seconds after taking a step forward, you’re going to think: I did that. I survived it. And the floor didn’t open up and swallow me!
That moment — right there — is where confidence lives. Not before. After.
Do it anyway. Do it scared.
What Happened When My Clients Did It Anyway (and Scared)
Ra’Chelle D. managed an economic mobility program by day, styled hair by night, and had a big goal: to retire by 50. Her vision was clear, but she lacked confidence to achieve it. So, we converted her goal into actionable milestones that she pursued, even when uncomfortable. She started holding firmer boundaries around her pricing and time, without apology, and later earned her certification in investment strategies from Cornell University. Now she’s building a brighter future for herself, her family, and the community she serves. Her words after coaching: “…I now have the confidence to go after my long-term goals without fear of validation from anyone else.”
Dr. Rachel R., a PhD anthropologist, faced an unexpected career pivot that awakened her entrepreneurial spirit. But fear kept her hedging — leaving every door open “just in case.” Through our coaching, Rachel confronted her fears, decided to make “do it scared” her mantra, and laid stepping stones to chart her path. She created a plan, registered her LLC, launched a consulting firm, and acquired her first contract. Her words: “Thank you… for giving me the push I needed to do it scared.”
Both women grew. And now, they know something they didn’t before: Their goals weren't out of reach. With greater confidence, support, and a plan, they began turning their aspirations into reality.
The Part We Often Skip: The Assessment
This is where real growth happens — and most people skip it.
Once you begin taking steps toward your goal, sit down and ask yourself two questions:
What did I do well?
This isn’t the time for false modesty. Name it. Own it.
You showed up. You spoke. You tried something new.
Acknowledging what worked is not arrogance — it’s data. It tells you what to build on.
What will I do differently next time?
Not “what did I do wrong.” Differently. This question keeps you looking ahead — learning, adjusting, growing — instead of spinning in self-criticism.
This is how you turn early attempts into a growth loop.
You do it. → You assess it. → You improve it. → You repeat it.
And your confidence will begin to soar.
Start Small. Start Now.
You don’t have to make a grand entrance or stand on a table and announce your intentions!
Speak up when you’ve usually remained silent. Schedule the conversation. Register for the course.
Small moves. Real growth.
If you’ve been waiting to feel ready, this is your opportunity. You might not be great at it the first time. Do it anyway. Do it scared. Assess what happened. Do it better next time.
That’s how you build authentic confidence. Not through feelings. By doing.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Doing it scared is less daunting when you have structure, support, and an experienced guide in your corner.
That’s exactly what the Authentic Confidence program is designed to do — help you build authentic confidence while developing the strategies and tools to pursue your goals.
If you’re ready to stop waiting and start achieving, book a strategic consultation today.
Let’s keep growing. 🌱
About the Author
Dr. Erica Walls provides career coaching for professional women over 40 in DC and nationwide, helping you navigate midlife career pivots and achieve strategic career advancement through career clarity and confidence. Ready to begin? Explore coaching programs | Book a consultation | Connect on LinkedIn
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