How to Build Your Confidence and See Yourself in a Whole New Light

Amanda Van Meter Burch
Feb 8
2 min read

Let’s be real—confidence isn’t something you wake up with one day. It’s a journey. Some days, it feels effortless, and other days, it’s a battle just to see your own worth. You’re not alone in feeling this way.

Three black-and-white portraits of a confident woman in various poses, wearing an off-shoulder top and an open button-down shirt. The series captures strength, vulnerability, and empowerment.

But here’s the thing: confidence isn’t about perfection, and it’s definitely not about being someone you’re not. It’s about seeing yourself—really seeing yourself—and embracing who you are.

1. Stop Waiting for “Perfect”

How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I’ll feel confident when…”?

When I lose the weight.
When I get that promotion.
When everything in my life is picture-perfect.

Guess what? Confidence doesn’t live in the “when.” It lives in the messy, beautiful, perfectly imperfect right now. Waiting for perfect means you might miss the chance to celebrate who you are today.

💭 Try this: Write down 3 things you love about yourself RIGHT NOW—not after something changes. Keep the list handy for the days when self-doubt creeps in.

2. See Yourself Through a New Lens

Close-up black-and-white portrait of a woman with natural features, long dark hair, and a nose ring, gazing directly into the camera with a calm and introspective expression.

When was the last time you looked at yourself and thought, “Wow, I look amazing”? Be honest—it probably doesn’t happen as often as it should.

Sometimes, it takes seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes to recognize your own beauty, strength, and worth. That’s why moments like glancing at an old photo can be so emotional. You see a version of yourself you didn’t appreciate at the time.

💭 Try this: Stand in front of a mirror and find one thing you love about your reflection. A smile, a sparkle in your eye, a detail you usually overlook—anything.

3. Remember: You’re Creating a Legacy Every Day

Think about the people who love you most. They don’t see the flaws you obsess over. They see YOU—the way you laugh, the way you light up a room, the little things that make you, you.

One day, those moments will be memories. The photos you take now—whether they’re selfies, snapshots, or professional portraits—will mean the world to your loved ones in ways you can’t imagine.

💭 Reflect: What story are you telling with your life right now, and how do you want to remember it?

4. Confidence Starts with Showing Up

Confidence doesn’t have to feel loud or bold. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up—even when you feel unsure.

Black-and-white portrait of a young woman smiling softly while posing confidently in a black top, distressed jeans, and an open white shirt against a dark backdrop.

Taking the step to capture your story through a portrait session, for example, isn’t about vanity. It’s about honoring where you are in your journey and celebrating what makes you uniquely you. It’s a quiet but powerful way of saying, “I deserve this.”

💭 Challenge: Take one small step this week that feels a little scary but totally worth it. Maybe it’s treating yourself, wearing something bold, or even booking a portrait session.

What’s Your Confidence Journey?

Whether you’re showing up for yourself today, celebrating your milestones, or just trying to get through the tough days, know this: confidence is a practice, not a destination. You don’t need to wait for permission to celebrate yourself.

💭 What’s one way you’re building your confidence this week? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.