30 Day Confidence Challenge
Transform Your Self-Esteem One Day at a Time
Confidence is something that can be so hard to achieve over time. But with a little practice and self-forgiveness, it’s a skill that you can develop and build, with just the right tools. Whether you’re looking to feel more assured in social situations, or simply in your everyday life, this 30-day confidence challenge will help you strengthen your self-esteem and discover your highest potential!
This challenge is inspired by a structured approach that targets three layers: Surface, lifestyle, and core (Hussey, 2025).
The surface layer focuses on appearance and communication, which ensures that how you prevent yourself aligns with your confidence.
The lifestyle layer is laid out through hobbies, abilities, and external sources of confidence (such as your job and passions).
The core layer emphasizes your relationship with yourself. This is where you begin to foster self-acceptance and inner strength.
There are also evidence-based approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that support confidence building by addressing the underlying thought patterns that may hinder one’s self-esteem (Stallard et al., 2012).
Evidence & Resources
The importance of self-confidence is supported by research, such as a study that was published in The British Journal of Psychiatry. This study examines the impact of one-day CBT workshops on individuals who face depression. Their studies found a significant reduction in depression and anxiety levels, along with improvements in self-esteem among participants (Stallard et al., 2012).
Ongoing motivational resources, like Ashton August’s book A Year of Self Motivation for Women: Daily Inspiration, Courage, and Confidence can offer continued support and inspiration, beyond the initial 30 days (August, 2014).
By committing just a few minutes each day, you can cultivate a mindset of growth, positivity, and empowerment. Let’s dive in!
Missions
There are 5 missions that you should want to accomplish this month.
Mission 1: Surface
Do one thing to improve your appearance in the next 30 days. When you look good, you feel good!
What is one thing you might like to do to improve your appearance?
Mission 2: Surface
Send 3 separate messages to people you would like to build a relationship with. This will help build your network and deepen your relationships!
Who might you like to strengthen or start a relationship with in these next 30 days?
Mission 3: Surface
Have 1 challenging conversation. The more challenging conversations you have, the more your life will improve!
Who would you like to have a challenging conversation with and why?
Mission 4: Lifestyle
Do 1 new thing outside of your routine and have a new experience. It’s okay to not be good at it at first!
What is something you would like to try or would like to add to your routine?
Mission 5: Core
Stick to 1 new habit/ritual for the next month (You have to stick to it for at least 20/30 days). This will help you rebuild trust with yourself once you accomplish it!
What new habit do you want to develop for yourself?
Breaking It Down Into Weeks:
It might be helpful if you break it down day by day, or even into weekly challenges. Here’s a guide for you to follow along with!
Week 1: Building Awareness
Day 1: Set Your Intention
Write down why you want to become more confident.
Define what confidence means to you and set specific goals for this challenge.
Day 2: List Your Strengths
Identify 10 things you’re good at.
Keep this list somewhere visible to remind yourself of your abilities.
Day 3: Practice Gratitude
Write down three things you’re grateful for.
Shifting your focus to positivity helps reframe your mindset.
Day 4: Body Language Check
Stand tall, keep your shoulders back, and make eye contact.
Practice confident body language for 5 minutes.
Day 5: Positive Affirmations
Write and repeat three affirmations that resonate with you, such as “I am capable” or “I deserve success.”
Day 6: Identify Limiting Beliefs
List any negative beliefs you hold about yourself and rewrite them into positive truths.
Day 7: Reflect on the Week
Journal about how you’ve felt during the first week of the challenge.
What’s been easy? What’s been challenging?
Week 2: Taking Small Risks
Day 8: Start a Conversation
Engage in small talk with someone you don’t know well, like a colleague or neighbor.
Day 9: Try Something New
Do one activity you’ve been hesitant to try, whether it’s a new hobby or speaking up in a meeting.
Day 10: Compliment Someone
Give a genuine compliment to a friend, family member, or stranger.
Day 11: Dress for Confidence
Wear an outfit that makes you feel your best. Notice how it impacts your mood.
Day 12: Speak Up
Share your opinion during a conversation or meeting. Start small if needed.
Day 13: Reflect on Rejection
Think about a past experience where you faced rejection.
What did you learn from it? How can it make you stronger?
Day 14: Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge one accomplishment from the past week, no matter how small.
Week 3: Strengthening Your Mindset
Day 15: Practice Visualization
Spend 5 minutes visualizing yourself achieving a goal with confidence.
Day 16: Focus on Self-Care
Dedicate time to an activity that nurtures your well-being, like exercise or meditation.
Day 17: Reframe Failures
Write down a recent failure and list three lessons it taught you.
Day 18: Declutter Your Space
Organize an area of your home or workspace. A clear space can lead to a clear mind.
Day 19: Learn Something New
Read an article, watch a tutorial, or listen to a podcast about a topic you’re curious about.
Day 20: Practice Saying No
Politely decline something that doesn’t align with your priorities.
Day 21: Reflect on Progress
Journal about the changes you’ve noticed in your confidence so far.
Week 4: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Day 22: Take on a Challenge
Set a bigger goal for the day, like leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or attending a social event.
Day 23: Connect with Someone New
Reach out to someone you admire or want to know better.
Day 24: Practice Gratitude for Yourself
List three things you appreciate about yourself.
Day 25: Focus on Posture
Spend the day being mindful of your posture and how it influences your confidence.
Day 26: Address a Fear
Identify one fear that’s holding you back and take a small step to confront it.
Day 27: Share Your Wins
Talk about a recent success with someone who supports you.
Day 28: Be Present
Spend time focusing on the moment. Avoid distractions and fully engage with your surroundings.
Day 29: Give Yourself Credit
Write a letter to yourself, highlighting all the ways you’ve grown during this challenge.
Day 30: Celebrate!
Plan a reward or treat for completing the challenge. Reflect on how far you’ve come and the habits you’ll continue to practice.
You Got This!
By the end of these 30 days, you’ll have taken meaningful steps to build lasting confidence. The three-layer approach—surface, lifestyle, and core—ensures that you’re addressing all aspects of confidence. Remember, growth takes time, and the key is consistency. Embrace the journey and continue to challenge yourself beyond these 30 days! Don’t forget to believe in yourself- you got this!
References
August, A. (2014). A year of self-motivation for women: Daily inspiration, courage, and confidence. Rockridge Press.
Hussey, M. (2025). Matthew Hussey: 30-Day Confidence Challenge. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/555860733/Matthew-Hussey-30-Day-Confidence-Challenge
Stallard, P., Richardson, T., Velleman, S., & Attwood, M. (2012). One-day cognitive–behavioural therapy self-confidence workshops for people with depression: Randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 201(3), 220–225. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.111.102483
