If you’re anything like the women I work with, your days are full.

You’re responsible. You’re dependable. You get things done.
And yet… there’s a quiet frustration that sneaks in when life slows down just enough for you to hear your own thoughts.

I know I’m capable of more.
So why do I still feel stuck?

That question came up again and again in my recent conversation with Nada Lena Nasserdeen, founder of Rise Up For You—and I have a feeling it’s one you’ve asked yourself, too.

Confidence Isn’t Missing—It’s Untaught

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is something I wish more women understood sooner:

Confidence isn’t a personality trait.
It’s a skill.

Most of us were never taught how to build it. We were taught to be helpful, capable, and accommodating—but not how to trust ourselves, advocate for our needs, or believe we’re worthy of more without earning it through exhaustion.

Nada works with leaders and organizations around the world, and she sees the same thing everywhere—from Fortune 500 boardrooms to entrepreneurial women working from their kitchen tables. The most common struggle isn’t lack of intelligence, talent, or work ethic.

It’s self-confidence.

And when confidence is shaky, even the most capable woman will second-guess herself, stay quiet when she should speak up, or delay the thing she knows she’s meant to do.

How Busyness Keeps Us Playing Small

Here’s where things get uncomfortable—in the best possible way.

Busyness often looks productive on the outside, but it can be a brilliant hiding place.

When our calendars are packed, we don’t have to sit with the harder questions:

• What do I really want now?

• What am I avoiding because it feels scary or uncertain?

• Where am I settling because it feels safer?

Being busy gives us a socially acceptable reason to stay exactly where we are.

Nada put it beautifully when she shared that growth doesn’t happen by accident. Confidence doesn’t magically appear when life “slows down” (because let’s be honest—when does that ever happen?). It grows when we choose it on purpose.

Boundaries Aren’t Selfish—They’re Foundational

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was our shared belief that boundaries aren’t about pushing people away—they’re about protecting what matters.

If you’re constantly available, constantly saying yes, and constantly putting yourself last, your confidence will always feel fragile. Not because you’re weak—but because you’re exhausted.

Strong boundaries create space for:

• Clear thinking

• Better decisions

• Self-trust

• And yes—confidence

You don’t build confidence by doing more.
You build it by honoring yourself enough to stop doing what drains you.

Your Beliefs Are Running the Show (Whether You Like It or Not)

Another truth we explored is one that comes up often in my coaching work:
Your beliefs quietly dictate your behaviors.

If you believe:

• You’re “too late”

• You should already be further along

• Other people are more qualified

• You’ll get to you someday—just not today

Your actions will follow that story.

Confidence begins to shift when you start questioning those thoughts instead of treating them like facts. Just because you think something doesn’t make it true. And just because you’ve believed something for a long time doesn’t mean it gets to stay.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the role of community.

Who you surround yourself with matters more than we like to admit. Confidence grows faster when you’re supported, challenged, and reminded of who you are—especially on the days you forget.

We’re not meant to figure everything out in isolation. And needing support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.

If You’re Feeling the Nudge…

If this season of your life feels full—but not fulfilling…
If you’re doing all the things and still wondering what’s next…
If you’re tired of waiting for confidence to magically show up…

Please hear this: you’re not broken. You’re not behind. And you’re not alone.

Confidence is something you build—one decision, one boundary, one brave moment at a time. And you don’t have to do it by yourself.

If you’re feeling a quiet (or not-so-quiet) nudge to talk things through, I’d love to support you. You can book a no-pressure call with me to explore what’s holding you back and what forward could look like—on your terms. Sometimes clarity starts with one honest conversation.

This episode of Penny for Your Shots is a grounding, honest reminder that you’re allowed to want more—and capable of creating it.

🌐 Learn more about Nada’s work: https://riseupforyou.com 
📲 Follow her on social: @NadaLenaNasserdeen