Today we're diving deep into one of the most powerful and transformative traits you can develop: unbreakable confidence. Specifically, about why knowing and deeply believing in your abilities and making decisions with conviction is absolutely essential to creating your best life—especially after a major life disruption like being laid off from a Fortune 1000 company, losing a secure government job, or simply realizing you’re no longer happy in your current career.
Let’s be honest—getting laid off or leaving a job, especially one you thought was secure, can shake you to your core. Suddenly, everything feels uncertain. Your identity, your routine, even your sense of purpose can feel like it’s slipping away.
But here’s the truth: confidence is the anchor in uncertain waters.
Confidence isn't about arrogance or pretending everything's fine when it's not. It’s about knowing you have what it takes to navigate the unknown. It’s about trusting that, despite setbacks, you still have value, talent, and something unique to offer the world. And that trust? That’s the foundation for personal growth, happiness, and success.
Think of anyone who’s made a big career pivot—a teacher turned tech founder, a laid-off executive who started a consultancy, or someone who turned a passion project into a thriving business. What’s the common thread? They believed in themselves when no one else did.
Confidence allows you to:
- Make bold decisions instead of fear-based ones.
- See rejection as redirection.
- Trust your gut when exploring new paths.
- Communicate your worth in interviews, pitches, and conversations.
Without confidence, you might shrink back into the safety of what you know—even if what you know is no longer working for you. But with it? You’ll give yourself permission to try, to fail, to learn, and to grow.
Okay, so maybe you’re thinking, “That all sounds great—but I don’t feel confident right now.” Totally understandable. Confidence is a skill, not a switch. And just like building muscle, it requires intention, practice, and patience.
Here are a few ways to start rebuilding confidence:
- Inventory Your Wins – Write down everything you’ve accomplished: projects you led, people you helped, problems you solved. This reminds you of your capability.
- Reframe the Layoff – Instead of seeing it as rejection, view it as a reset. What’s now possible that wasn’t before?
- Set Micro-Goals – Small wins build momentum. Apply to one job today. Reach out to one connection. Learn one new skill.
- Speak Kindly to Yourself – Your inner dialogue shapes your outer results. Would you say to a friend what you say to yourself?
- Visualize Your Future Self – Who do you want to become? Picture them. What decisions would they make today?
Here’s something people often overlook: confidence is magnetic. When you show up believing in your value, others start to believe in it too. You attract mentors, clients, collaborators—even job opportunities—just by standing in your worth. That doesn’t mean faking it. It means being grounded, clear, and intentional. When you speak with conviction, people listen. When you take action with courage, opportunities emerge.
Let me share a few quick stories:
Alex, a marketing manager laid off from a Fortune 1000 company, used the time off to earn a certification in UX design. He landed a remote job with a tech startup and says it’s the most fulfilled he’s ever been.
Jasmine worked for the government for 12 years before she realized she was burning out. She took a sabbatical, started a blog about personal finance, and now runs her own coaching business.
Luis was miserable in his sales job. He took a leap, went back to school for physical therapy, and now helps people heal every day.
None of these people had a crystal-clear roadmap. What they had was a belief in their ability to figure things out.
So, if you’re standing at a crossroads right now, wondering what’s next—know this: You are not broken. You are being re-built. Confidence is the bridge between who you are and who you’re becoming. It’s what empowers you to take risks, to grow through discomfort, and to create a life that feels aligned with your values, your talents, and your dreams.
If nothing else, remember this: You are allowed to believe in yourself, even before you have the results to prove it. Start today. Make one brave decision. Speak one kind word to yourself. Take one step toward your reinvention.
Be sure to look out for openings in our LifeByDesign360 Insider Academy and Community. There you’ll find all the coaches, the courses, the resources, and an amazing community of people going through what you’re going through, who are utilizing the tools for maximum success.
Imagine blowing past your concerns and fears having access to everything you need to get the job, building an income you can never be fired from and creating the wealth for retirement so you can enjoy the stress-free great times with your family and friends that life is really all about.