Stop Telling Women to “Be More Confident.” It’s Not That Simple.

Confidence isn’t black or white

Confidence isn’t a stable trait that someone either has or doesn’t have, but rather, it’s a feeling that can be cultivated and developed in different situations, says Wendy Patrick, JD, PhD, author and behavioral expert. “Telling women to just ‘be confident’ is not helpful. What is helpful is assisting women to feel confident through providing affirmation, validation, and support,” she says. Or, suggest one of these science-backed tips to getting a little confidence boost.