It felt like a switch flipped

Throughout my life, my successes didn’t feel real. I battled with self-doubt. Then, a switch seemed to flip.

In the early 2000s, my concert promotions business began with small clubs and local DJs.

Despite early successes, I felt like an outsider in the industry.

Everyone else seemed well-connected and prosperous.

Was I a fluke?

Then, after many small wins, it felt like a switch flipped.

My achievements finally matched my self-perception.

I felt confident.

I had that swagger I had been missing.

This newfound confidence was contagious.

Others started to believe in the company, too.

Each event grew in size, and we gained more and more opportunities.

Soon, we were working with bigger artists and larger venues.

This switch-flipping wasn’t a one-time thing.

After closing the concert promotions company, I began working at agencies in business development.

Initially, I felt unqualified despite seeing early sales wins.

But then, that switch flipped.

I felt like a thought leader, brimming with confidence.

My success in the role multiplied.

I experienced the same thing in pickleball.

I took to the sport quickly.

But I felt it was luck when I won against more experienced players.

Then, the switch flipped.

I felt like a top player, and every match was winable.

That led to even more tournament medals.

I’ve thought a lot about the switch.

It never seems to come from one big moment but from the compounding of small events.

I’ve pondered whether it’s possible to fast-track the switch.

Looking back, I believe there are 3 ways.

1. Skill development. 

When starting in biz dev, I read every sales book, experimented with tactics, and blogged about it, which sharpened my skills.

On the pickleball court, deliberate drilling helped me reduce unforced errors and improve my game.

2. Networking.

Building relationships with other promoters led to collaborations and new connections.

Friendships I made with high-earning business developers helped me see that they’re no different from me.

3. Mentorship.

A boss with an extensive biz dev background shortened my learning curve with their insights.

A pro pickleball coach helped me find my identity as a player.

But these achievements all still required something essential: experience.

Over time, skill development, networking, and mentorship compound and accelerate the switch to flip.

When the switch goes off, explosive growth occurs.

Ultimately, confidence is built on a foundation of knowledge and experience.