Dr. Chelsea Brown, LPC
Flourish Forward Counseling and Consulting

Can someone be confident and still struggle with anxiety or self-doubt?

Absolutely. Confidence and anxiety aren’t opposite; they can coexist in the same person at the same time. Someone can walk into a room, lead a meeting, and hold a conversation with ease, then privately question every decision they made that day. What we see on the outside- poise, humor, capability- tells us very little about what’s happening internally. Anxiety often has nothing to do with how successful or accomplished someone appears. It can show up as overthinking, difficulty relaxing, or a persistent worry that something is about to go wrong, regardless of how well things are going. This is part of why anxiety can be so easy to miss in others and so isolating for the person experiencing it.

Why is it so hard to believe compliments about myself?

If you’ve ever brushed off a compliment or immediately pointed out your flaws, you’re not alone. Sometimes this happens because of cognitive distortions, which are unhelpful thinking patterns that can shape the way we see ourselves, other people, and the world around us. These thoughts can make it difficult to believe positive feedback, causing compliments to feel uncomfortable or even undeserved. Over time, dismissing kind words from others can reinforce self-doubt and make it harder to recognize your own strengths. The next time someone compliments you, try simply saying, “Thank you,” instead of explaining it away. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but learning to accept positive feedback is one small way to challenge those unhelpful thoughts and build a healthier relationship with yourself.

How can I build lasting confidence?

Healthy confidence starts with trusting yourself instead of trying to prove yourself. While compliments, achievements, and success may boost confidence temporarily, lasting confidence comes from the relationship you have with yourself. It grows each time you keep a promise to yourself, show yourself grace after making a mistake, or take a step outside your comfort zone. Each of those moments becomes another reminder that you’re capable of handling hard things. When your confidence is rooted in self-trust instead of outside validation, you’re less likely to be thrown off by comparison, criticism, or setbacks. Over time, you’ll feel more secure in who you are, regardless of what’s happening around you.

11949 Bricksome Ave., Suite A
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

(225) 366-9112 | www.psychologytoday.com