Stuck in a Rut? 5 Bold Moves to Boost Your Confidence at Work

We’ve all had those moments.

Sitting there waiting at the “What am I even doing with my life?” crossroads. It all looks OK from the outside, but inside you feel stuck, stressed, or simply exhausted.

I know it well.

One of my earliest “bold moves” happened at a networking event. My name was pulled out of a raffle and instead of winning a bottle of wine I won the chance to stand up and pitch my new business to 100 strangers.

Not what I was expecting. Definitely not what I thought I was there for.

I panicked. I stumbled through my words. My mouth went dry. And then I did the only thing I could think of - grabbed my bag and legged it out the door.

I drove home in tears and swore I’d never speak in public again! [Spoiler alert - I did! lol]

What I learnt from this terrifying, messy, embarrassing moment was also the start of something important. It was the first of many Bold Moves I didn’t feel ready for but did anyway and the cornerstone for one of my coaching phrases “Start Before You’re Ready”.

What You'll Gain from Making Bold Moves

Over the years, coaching leaders and business owners, I’ve seen the same story on repeat:

Bold doesn’t always mean big.

Sometimes it looks like saying no.

Sometimes it’s admitting you can’t do it alone.

Sometimes it’s pausing long enough to think about what you really really want.

That’s why we've put together five practical steps to help you move through the messy middle and into meaningful action.

5 Bold Moves to Boost Your Confidence

Here are the five simple steps we've coached our clients to use time and again, seeing their confidence soar step by step:

1. Speak Up Early

We’ve all had that moment in a meeting where the thought is in our head… but we wait too long and someone else says it first. Instead of overthinking, commit to contributing within the first 10 minutes. Speaking early breaks the silence and reminds everyone (including you) that your voice matters.

2. Share a Win

Confidence grows when you notice and celebrate your progress. Too often, women play small, keeping achievements quiet. This week, share one thing you’re proud of with your boss, your team, or even on LinkedIn. People won't think you're showing off, you may even inspire them to do the same!

3. Ask a Direct Question

Be a lifelong learner by showing curiosity and asking questions. In your next meeting, ask a thoughtful question to deepen your understanding on a topic. It shows engagement and influence, without you needing to be the expert in the room.

4. Take Up Space

Your body language says a lot about your confidence and people will take advantage if you come across as nervous. To show confidence, be present at the table, not on the sidelines. Make eye contact. Check your posture. These small physical shifts send powerful signals — both to others and to your own brain — that you belong here.

5. Say No (Kindly)

People-pleasing might feel safe, but it messes with your confidence over time. A simple, firm “I can’t take that on right now” shows boundaries and self-respect. Every time you say no with kindness, you reinforce your value.

Why This Matters Now

Confidence isn’t something you wake up with one morning, it’s something you build, move by move. The good news is it doesn’t take a dramatic transformation. Small, everyday actions can change the way you see yourself (and the way others see you).

Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or a young person trying to navigate life’s twists and turns, practicing these Bold Moves will help you to take a step back, reset, and take action with clarity and purpose.

It’s not about being louder or braver than anyone else. It’s about staying in your own lane, making choices that feel good and match with your values.

Your Next Step

So let me ask you:

• Which Bold Move will you try today?

• When are you going to share your win?

• And what would your next bold move look like if you started before you were ready?

Want to know more? These moves are taken from my upcoming Bold Moves for Leaders guide: 15 practical, courageous steps for women who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Keep an eye out on our website, or connect with me on LinkedIn for updates.