Articles like this make me so happy to have found Medium, where all my inner thoughts are vocalized and solidified in words I could not have put together any better. I have lived in doubt for so long that it even turned out to benefit me because it lead me to prove myself wrong. In turn I have established a modest amount of self-pride. I am finding my confidence in recognizing my competencies first, and where they have taken me in regards to my career. Your 5-step rule mentioned in this article is so true! I’ve only begun the steps and after 1 year of practice, I reached level 4. I’m hoping level 5 trickles these effects into other areas of my life where I have yet to achieve this confidence which my career is blessed with. Needless to say that as a freelance graphic designer, my growth of confidence and competence go hand in hand with my desk job and my overall well-being for they are how I can sustain everyday happiness.