How to Become

Confident
Course

Sam Osbourne
Course
Overview
Module 1 – Introduction
to confidence.

Module 2 – Confidence
and learning.

Module 3 – Confidence
in the workplace.

Module 4 – Life
mastery.
“If one advances
confidently in the
direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live
the life which he has
imagined, he will meet
with a level of success
unexpected in common
hours.” 
Henry David Thoreau
American Philosopher
Story:
The Guru
The big idea
The clearer your vision and
meaning for life, the more
confident you’ll become.

When your goals are crystal clear in

your mind, and it's important to you,
you’ll be so inspired, you’ll do
anything to achieve it.
Awareness +
Meaning =
Confidence

Remember: The clearer

your vision and meaning for
life, the more confident
you’ll become.
Lesson 1
What is
confidence, and
why is it
important?

Learning outcome:
Define confidence and
identify its benefits.
Module 1
Introduction to
confidence

• Self-confidence
• Self-esteem
“Look well into thyself, there is
a source of strength which will
always spring up if thou wilt
always look.”
Marcus Aurelius
Emperor of Rome
Story:
The Lion’s
Whisker
When you have
confidence, the
impossible is possible.
Remember
this…
Confidence opens
doors
Confidence comes from
a Latin word 'fidere'
which means “to trust”
therefore, having
self-confidence is
having trust in one's
self.
Confidence:
Definition

Confidence is a feeling or
belief that you can do
something well or succeed
at something.
Confidence
gives you…

• Career and business success.

• Social influence and leadership.
• A positive and resilient mind-set.
• Improved health and vitality.
• Lucky opportunities.
3 levels of
the problem
of confidence

• Environment and history.

• Fears and concerns of
failing.
• Lack of vision and
meaning.
Lesson 1:
Activity

Write a summary of
confidence and list at least
10 ways confidence can
benefit you.
Remember…

Confidence
opens doors
Lesson 2
How to build
confidence and
self-esteem.

Learning outcome:
Utilize a powerful
strategy for building
confidence.
“Most of the important
things in the world have
been achieved by
people who just kept on
trying even when there
was no hope at all.”

Andrew Carnegie
American Industrialist
Story:
Money goes where it is
organized most.

• I used to live paycheck

to paycheck.
• I had to learn to
organize my money.
• Confidence is the
same.
Remember
this…
Confidence
grows where
you are
organized most.
Just like organizing my
money gave me more
financial and emotional
stability, when you are
organized, you will feel
increased stability in
yourself.
The Self-Esteem
Strategy

1. Determine your values.

2. List your priorities.
3. Aim to complete tasks.
Values

•Vocational
•Financial
•Physical
•Familial
•Social
•Mental
•Spiritual
Priorities
A priority is a single task or
step, not a project, that can
be achieved within one day.
Complete
Tasks
Completing a task does not
have to mean completing it
perfectly the first time.
Lesson 2
Activity
1. Determine and display
your highest values and
goals.
2. List your daily priorities
by importance, from
highest to least
importance.
3. Schedule to complete
your daily tasks.
Remember

Confidence grows
where you are
organized most.
Module 2
Confidence
and learning

• Failure
• Studying
• Group situations
• Writing
• Reading
Lesson 3
How to overcome fear
of failure as a
student.
Learning outcome:
Analyze and manage your
expectations of success and
failure.
“Just because a man lacks
the use of his eyes doesn’t
mean he lacks vision.”

Stevie Wonder
Story:
The eye injury

• I once suffered a
serious eye injury.
• Specialists could
only do so much to
help.
• I learned the
importance of taking
my time.
Remember
this…

Expand your
time horizons
Fear of failure is a result of
an overwhelmed mind.
Therefore, give yourself
more time to be successful.
Breaking down and
managing expectations of
failure
A person who expects failure…
• Is not aware of habits that lead to failure.
• Does not have a specific goal / plan.
• Allows distractions to take up their time.
• Accepts negative self-talk as normal.
• Feels alone and doesn’t ask for help.
• Take on too much at once.
• Feel like they have to accomplish
everything at once.
Breaking down and
managing expectations for
success
A person who expects success has…
• Clear goal and plan
• Realistic time frame
• List of priorities and tasks
• Positive self-talk
• A support team
Lesson 3
Activity
1. Draw a mind-map.
2. Acknowledge fear-based
habits & self-talk.
3. Define a clear goal.
4. Design a plan & timeframe.
5. Compose positive self-talk
phrases.
6. List success habits & tasks.
7. Select your support team.
Remember

Expand your
time horizons
Lesson 4
How to gain
self-confidence
while studying

Learning Outcome:
Organize a year-long study
plan and implement
effective study habits.
“Man often becomes
what he believes himself
to be.”

Mahatma Gandhi
Story:
The
Astronomy
Class

• I took an Astronomy
class at university.
• We went on excursions
to look at the stars.
• I was blown away by the
size and beauty of the
galaxy.
Remember
this…
The bigger picture
will set you free.
Wrapping your head around a bigger
period of time gives you:
• A bigger perspective.
• Stabilized emotions.
• Better prediction making.
• More time to prepare.
• More appreciation of your time.
Year-long
plan

Add important dates,

assignments, deadlines,
events.
Study Habits

● Don’t study too much at once.

● Set a small amount each day to
study.
● Turn your phone off while studying.
● Tell people you are studying.
● Make your study space attractive.
● Makes notes and read them again.
● Teach what you have learned.
 Questions
of the month
● Why is studying good for my future?
● How is studying connected to my vision?
● What do I want my study space to be like?
● What is the best diet for studying?
● When is the best time for me to study?
● What can I do about distractions and
interruptions?
Add study
habits and
question of
the month.
Year-long
plan
For greater confidence
while studying, display a
large year-long calendar
poster with a small box for
each day.
Lesson 4
Activity

1. Display a year-long
calendar in your space.
2. Add important dates,
deadlines, events.
3. Choose a study habit &
question to focus on for
each month of the year.
Remember
The bigger picture will
set you free.
Lesson 5
How to be more
confident in
group situations.

Learning Outcome:
Employ a simple method
for starting and keeping a
conversation going.
“Don’t compare
yourself with other
people, compare
yourself with who you
were yesterday.”
Dr. Jordan Peterson,
Canadian Psychologist
Story:
52 cups of coffee.

• I started a blog to
interview people.
• I learned the importance
of asking people about
their passions.
• I was able to connect
with strangers quickly in
a deeply personal way.
Remember
this…
Speak about what
you like in terms of
what they like.
Each person has a set of
values of what is most
important to least important.
Aligning your values with
theirs is the foundation for a
strong relationship.
Method to start
& keep a
conversation
going
1. Make a personal
connection.
2. Find common ground.
3. Encourage and
acknowledge them.
4. Repeat.
Make a
personal
connection

Mention something about the

other person that you like and
say what it reminds you of.
Find
common
ground

Watch and listen to the

other person for a
shared experience of
pain or pleasure and tell
them, “I go through
something similar; can I
share it with you?”
Encourage &
acknowledge
them
Say, “I encourage you to
keep going and don’t
give up on your dream.”

Say, “I want to
acknowledge you for
what you do and who
you are.”
Lesson 5
Activity
Role-play an interesting
conversation with friends
and co-workers.
• Ask a trusted friend or
co-worker.
• Keep it fun and casual.
• Be yourself.
Remember

Speak about what you

like in terms of what
they like.
Lesson 6
How to be more
confident in
your writing.

Learning Outcome:
Apply a strategy for
effectively
communicating
through writing.
“I can shake off everything
as I write; my sorrows
disappear, my courage is
reborn.”

Anne Frank
Story:
I failed English
but became an
author.

• In high school, I was not

a successful student.
• My father had a
conversation with me
that I’ll never forget.
• I learned to love
language and writing.
Remember this…

Make a point and

make the case.

Everyone values their time.

Effective communication is short,
sweet and to the point with a
touch of personality.
Confident
Writing
Strategy

1. Make the point.

2. Make your case.
3. Add a friendly thought.
Make the point

1. What one key idea do you

want them to remember?
2. Keep it to one sentence.
3. Don’t overthink it.
Make the
case

1. Explain the benefits.

2. Give reasons and
evidence to support
your point.
3. Use a mix of logic
and emotion.
Add a friendly
thought

1. Show appreciation
2. Be thankful
3. Show some interest
Lesson 6
Activity

Draft a cover letter to a

potential hiring manager
to tell them why you are
the best person for the
job at their company.
Remember
this…
Make a point and
make the case.
Lesson 7
How to build
reading
confidence.

Learning Outcome:
Increase your reading
speed and
comprehension skills.
“Reading is to the
mind what
exercising is to the
body.”
Cesar Augustus,
Roman Emperor
Story:
The day I fell
in love with
reading
• I never liked reading
books.
• One day I found a
book that changed
my life.
• I soon learned to love
reading.
Remember this…

The more words

you learn, the
more you’ll earn.

Knowing and using a wider

range of words makes you
feel confident and sound
intelligent, and often brings
career advances your way.
Read for
speed
• Remind yourself of
your purpose.
• Say, “reading this will
help fulfill my
mission and vision.”
• Practice reading at
1x, 2x and 3x speed.
• Then go back to
normal speed.
Look up the
meaning of
new words.
Make a habit of learning
new words each day. One
word a day equals 365
new words each year.

Make the dictionary your

friend, and it will reward
you several times over.
Reflect, reflect, and
reflect again on your
reading.
After reading something, put the
book to the side and write either:
• A short summary.
• Questions.
• And what new ideas come to
mind.
• Then reflect again.
Lesson 7
Activity

Practice a speed-reading
drill and reflect on your
reading.
Remember
this…

The more words you

learn, the more you’ll
earn.
Module 3
Confidence
in the
workplace.

• New workplace
• Job interviews
• Criticism and
rejection
• Public speaking
Lesson 8
How to be confident
in a new workplace.

Learning Outcome:
Investigate 3 ways to
develop workplace
leadership & confidence.
“If you’re
presenting
yourself with
confidence, you
can pull off pretty
much anything.”
Katy Perry
Singer
Story:
My first
teaching job

• I was not very good

when I started
teaching.
• I became depressed
and quit.
• Years later,
I realized the
importance of
appreciating my
career.
Remember
this…
A worthy person
is always wanted.

That means, if you

show respect,
initiative, and a
willingness to grow,
people will recognize
your value.
3 Ways to develop
confidence &
leadership

1. Remember people’s names.

2. Get a mentor.
3. Ask for training opportunities.
Remember
people’s
names

Aim to memorize the

names of people you
work with, starting on
your first day.
Create a workplace
map with people’s
names.
Get a
mentor
A mentor is someone
who has been in your
shoes and can guide
you to become your
best. Find one and
meet regularly.
 Ask for
training
opportunities
● Ask and you shall receive.
● Knock and the door will
open.
● Start practicing the art of
asking.
● Exhaust all possibilities.
● Ask everyone.
Ask for
training
opportunities
Say, “Can you help me
please? I’m looking for
training opportunities to
help develop my career.”
“Can you introduce me to
someone you know, who
could help me further?”
Lesson 8
Activity
1. Make a list of names you
want to remember.
2. Check them off once you’ve
memorized them.
3. Reward yourself.
4. Tell your team or boss, “I’d
like you to help me find a
mentor and more training,
please.”
Remember
this…
A worthy person
is always wanted.

That means, if you

show respect,
initiative, and a
willingness to grow,
people will recognize
your value.
Lesson 9
How to feel
confident in a
job interview.

Learning Outcome:
Upgrade your job
interview mindset.
“You only have 7
seconds to make a
good first
impression.”
USA Statistic
Story:
The $100 note

• A teacher stood before

her class with a $100
note and asked, who
wants this?
• She crumpled it, dropped
it and stomped on it, and
asked, who wants it still?
• The value stayed the
same, and we are just
like that $100 note.
Remember
this…
You’re in the
room for a
reason.
The fact that you have an
interview means they
already think you could
do the job.

Now it's time for you to

find out if you want to
work with them too.
What is
mindset?

Mindset is the attitude, frame

of mind and the way you
respond to what happens
around you. A fixed mindset
person reacts, a growth
mindset person responds.
Upgrade your
mindset

By changing the words that

come out of your mouth, you
change your mindset, mood
and results.

Use “and”, “if” and “but” to

change your mindset from
fixed to growth.
Mindset
example 1
Fixed—I’m not good at
networking, I’ll just apply
for jobs online.

Growth – I might not be

good at networking now,
but I can improve my
confidence over time,
and increase my
chances of securing a
great job via networking.
Mindset
example 2
Fixed – I’m not good
enough for this job, they
are going to choose
someone better than me.

Growth – I might not be

good enough for this job
yet, and if I get a mentor
and prepare more, I will
start to recognize my
value more.
Lesson 9
Activity

Write a list of typical fixed

mindset phrases you
would normally say, then
compose a new growth
mindset “phrase upgrade”
to replace them.
Remember

You’re in the
room for a
reason
Lesson 10
How to deal
with criticism
and rejection

Learning Outcome:
Apply a method to
generate positive
emotions around
criticism and rejection.
“The limits of my
language are the limits
of my world.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein
German Philosopher
Story:
The College Professor
& The Jar of Water

• A professor held out a jar of water

to his students, asking, how heavy
is this glass of water?
• He said, if I hold it for a day it will
begin to get heavy, a week, and
my arm will fall.
• Our stress and worries are the
same, don’t hold onto them.
Remember
this…
There is no limit to
the meaning you can
give your life.
We are usually only aware of a small
amount of information at one time. From
that, we make meaning and truth.
Fortunately, we can create meanings that
serve us rather than work against us.
Reframing
criticism and
rejection

Instead of viewing criticism and

rejection as a negative
experience, reframe it as
support and guidance.
Reframe
example 1

If I could see things from their

point of view, what action could
I take next to grow and
improve?
Reframe
example 2

Rejection doesn’t
mean I’m not wanted;
it means I’m yet to
find my tribe and
those who see my
value.
Lesson 10
Activity

Write and memorize

positive reframing
sentences and
affirmations to counter
criticism and rejection.
Remember
this…
There is no limit
to the meaning
you can give your
life.
Lesson 11
How to be
confident
giving a
speech.
Learning Outcome:
Explore a simple
structure for giving a
presentation.
“Act as if what you do
makes a difference.“
William James
Founder of Modern
Psychology
Story:
The day I decided
to become an
international
speaker.

• I once saw a man give

a powerful speech.
• He inspired me to
pursue speaking as a
career.
• He left me with a
simple message.
Remember
this…

Story, link,
point.
A good speech has a story
and a point. Make the story
memorable and make the
point 3 times.
Make your
point 3 times

• Make it easy to remember.

• Make it practical.
• Make it sound wise.
A good story grabs
our attention
• Start close to the action.
• Tell the backstory.
• Explain how the situation
was handled.
• Include a turning point.
• Tell us how the story ends.
The 3-minute
Speech

1. There is one thing I want you to

remember… [point] e.g. Awareness +
meaning = confidence.
2. Our situation is as follows… and
that’s why [point] is important.
3. Here is a short story to explain my
point…
4. The next steps to take are…
5. And remember… [repeat point].
Lesson 11
Activity

Plan, organize and

rehearse the 3-minute
speech on a topic you
know a lot about.
Remember
this…
Story, link,
point.
Module 4
Life Mastery

•Mind
•Meditation
•Entrepreneurship
•Business
Lesson 12
How to train
your mind to
be confident.

Learning Outcome:
Use growth mindset
principles to develop
expansive thinking
modes.
“Start with the
end in mind.”
Stephen Covey
American Author
Story:
The CEO &
The Coffin
• The CEO of a company
died.
• The employees turned up
to view their boss in the
coffin.
• In the coffin was a mirror
and a message.
Remember this…

Tell your brain

what you want it to do.

The neocortex is designed to reshape

our brain via intentional thoughts
– that means, when we tell our brain
to think confidently, our brain grows
accordingly.
Growth Mindset
Principles
• Intelligence can be
developed.
• Embrace challenges.
• Persist after set-backs.
• Patient, consistent and
steadfast.
• Learn from criticism.
• Find inspiration in the
success of others.
Growth Mindset
Affirmations
• I can continuously develop my intelligence.
• My current challenges will make me
stronger.
• Set-backs are just pit-stops.
• A small step forward is still a step forward.
• Criticisms are encouragements in disguise.
• If it’s possible for them, it’s possible for me.
Lesson 12
Activity

Compose growth mindset

affirmations to increase
your confidence.
Remember this…

Tell your brain

what you want it
to do.
Lesson 13
How to increase
self-confidence
by meditation.

Learning Outcome:
Compare 3 ways to use
meditation for confidence.
“Follow your bliss and
the universe will open
doors where before
there were only walls.”

Joseph Campbell
American Scholar
Story:
Meditating for
the first time
changed me.
• I once sat on my bed
and tried meditation for
the first time.
• I was pleasantly
surprised by the inner
peace.
• I learned there was more
to my mind than I had
thought.
Remember this…
There is more to
you than meets
the eye.
The human mind and body
are sophisticated and
powerful. Meditation is a way
of discovering more of your
sophistication and power.
3 Ways to Meditate

1. Quiet sitting
2. Contemplation
3. Visualization
Quiet Sitting

• Listen to your breath.

• Eyes open or closed.
• Observe thoughts.
Contemplation

•Ask a question.
•Set an intention.
•Let go of the outcome.
Visualization

• Imagine a future scenario.

• Construct the feeling.
• Rehearse an event.
Lesson 13
Activity

Listen to a guided
meditation & visualize
a compelling future.
Remember
There is more to
you than meets
the eye.
Lesson 14
How to be a
confident
entrepreneur.

Learning Outcome:
Articulate and activate your
entrepreneurial abilities and
determination.
“The more one forgets
himself to a cause to serve,
or another person to love,
the more human he is and
the more he actualizes
himself.”
Viktor Frankl
Psychiatrist & Holocaust
survivor.
Story:
Creating a
powerful
vision
• I knew I needed a
vision, but I never could
decide on the right one.
• I realized I needed to
keep it simple, but
powerful.
• I learned to love serving
others.
Remember this…
Come from a
place of
service.
A confident
entrepreneur seeks to
make other’s lives
better in some way.
The Entrepreneur’s
Spiritual Cause

•Comes from the heart.

•Excites you long-term.
•A statement that inspires you.
The
Entrepreneur’s
Financial Cause

• A compelling reason to
build wealth.
• An appreciation of wealth
and what it can do for you
and others.
 Composing
your cause

• I am dedicated to…
• I am committed to…
• I am inspired by…
Lesson 14
Activity

Write and verbalize your

entrepreneurial financial
and spiritual cause.
Remember

Come from a
place of service.
Lesson 15
How to be
confident in
starting a
business.

Learning Outcome:
Design a vision board
for success.
“As the seconds of our
lives are ticking away, you
have to realize life has to
be an adventure.”

Hans Zimmer
Composer.
Story:
100 phone
calls
• I wanted to be a
professional entertainer,
but I was filled with
doubt.
• I knew I had to call
people to get booked.
• I realized to be
successful, I needed to
link my business to my
heart.
Remember
this…

The success of a
business is linked to
heart of its leader.
That means, if your heart is
not in the business, you’ll
always lack the courage to
make a start.
Business
Vision

• Where do you want

to take the world?
• What message do
you want to share?
• What does business
success look like?
Business
Vision
Board
• Product
• Service
• Idea
• Images
• Words
• Symbols
Remember
this…

The success of a business

is linked to heart of its
leader.
Lesson 15
Activity

Design a vision board

for business success.
Congratulations

• Take a moment to
reflect on your
confidence before
you started this
course.
• What has changed
for you?
• How confident are
you feeling now?
• What are you going
to do next?
 Review
Module 1
Introduction to Confidence.

Module 2
Confidence & Learning.

Module 3
Confidence in the Workplace.

Module 4
Life Mastery.
Next steps…
Join the Platzi online
events.

• Speak directly with your course

instructor.
• Meet other students who have
taken this course.
• Grow your confidence even more.
Final story:
The Chef’s Daughter

• A girl was experiencing one problem

after another.
• She went to her father for advice.
• He boiled 3 pots of water (potatoes,
eggs & coffee beans).
Remember
…
The clearer your
vision and meaning
for life, the more
confident you’ll
become.