The 5-Step Confidence Ritual to Show Up Online
Have you ever hesitated to hit ‘post’ or ‘go live’ because you were worried about how you’d come across? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with confidence when putting themselves out there, but with a simple five-step ritual, you can boost your social media confidence and show up powerfully every time. Let’s go through it together.
Step 1: Breathe & Ground Yourself
Before stepping into the spotlight, take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale for four seconds, hold for a few moments, and then exhale slowly. Doing this a few times can help calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.
When we feel self-conscious, our breathing tends to become shallow, signaling stress to the brain. Deep breathing, however, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of relaxation and control.
To enhance this effect, try setting an intention before you go live. Ask yourself, How do I want to show up today? Confidence isn’t about being fearless; it’s about taking action despite the fear. Pairing breathwork with meditation or soft instrumental music can also help you feel more centered.
Step 2: Reconnect with Your ‘Why’
Remind yourself why you are showing up. Are you here to educate, inspire, entertain, or connect? Your audience isn’t looking for perfection—they value authenticity.
Think about someone who has inspired you on social media. Was it their flawless presentation, or was it their genuine and relatable presence? More often than not, authenticity is what resonates most.
If imposter syndrome is holding you back, consider journaling about your purpose. Write down three reasons why your voice matters and how showing up aligns with your bigger mission. Saying something out loud like, I am showing up today to educate, empower, and inspire, can shift your focus from self-doubt to service.
Step 3: Power Pose & Positive Affirmations
A quick physical adjustment can boost your confidence. Stand up, place your hands on your hips, lift your chin, and take up space—this is called a power pose. Studies show that standing like this for just two minutes can increase confidence while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.
Next, reinforce positivity with affirmations. The way you talk to yourself matters. If you repeatedly think, I’m not good at this or No one will care what I have to say, those thoughts start to feel like reality. Instead, reframe your inner dialogue: I am confident. My voice matters. I bring value.
A helpful trick is to write affirmations on sticky notes and place them somewhere visible. You could also record yourself saying these empowering statements and listen to them as part of your pre-show-up routine.
Step 4: Visualize Success
Before going live or posting, close your eyes and picture yourself showing up with confidence. Imagine speaking clearly, engaging with your audience, and feeling good about your presence.
Visualization has been shown to improve performance almost as much as actual practice. Professional athletes and public speakers use this technique to prepare for high-stakes situations—why not apply it to social media?
Consider keeping a success journal. Write down moments when you showed up confidently and things went well. Reviewing these entries before your next appearance can remind you of your progress. If this practice is new to you, start by spending just 60 seconds visualizing yourself delivering your message with ease.
Step 5: Take Imperfect Action
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready—it grows through action. Give yourself permission to be imperfect. People won’t remember small mistakes, but they will remember your message and the energy you bring.
Think about the last time you hesitated before posting or going live. What held you back? Was it fear of judgment? Worrying about how you’d look or sound? Now ask yourself, What’s the worst that could happen? Most of the time, our fears are far greater than reality.
To get started, take small steps. Instead of diving into a full live session, record a short video just for yourself, or post a story that disappears in 24 hours. The more you show up, the easier it becomes over time.
That’s your five-step confidence ritual: breathe and ground yourself, reconnect with your why, use power poses and affirmations, visualize success, and take imperfect action.
Confidence is like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Keep showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Your audience needs your voice, your message, and your authenticity.
