Zoras challenge

Zora is seven. Tiny, slight – and facing the challenge of breaking a thin wooden board with her foot for her belt exam. Sounds cool? It is but right now, it doesn’t feel that way to her.

Three attempts. Three failures. Her eyes flicker, tears well up. The audience holds its breath.

The end of the story could be that she bursts into tears and runs away. But it’s not.

Zora takes a deep breath. She steps up again. Focused. Determined.  Whoosh! The board breaks.

For a moment, silence. Then, applause. She beams, arms raised in victory.

But the best part? It was never about the board. It was about proving to herself that she can do it. And that is self-efficacy.

Why You’re Reading This 

You’re probably not standing in a dojo, however you probably have your own challenges to face. May be:

❌ A salary negotiation you keep postponing.
❌ A presentation where self-doubt gets in your way.
❌ A leadership role you want to take on – but hesitate.
❌ An exam coming up at university which overwhelms you right now

Zora faced that moment. And she pushed through it. So can you.

What is Self-Efficacy?  

Self-efficacy is not to be confused with self-confidence. While self-confidence is the general feeling of ‘I am competent,’ self-efficacy is the belief that ‘I can handle this challenge because I am prepared.

The difference? Self-confidence says:  “I am strong” and  Self-efficacy says: “I can handle this situation.”

Why This Matters for Achieving Your Career Goals

If you believe that your actions make a difference, then…

✔ You show up with confidence in meetings.
✔ You negotiate your salary with clarity instead of doubt.
✔ You set boundaries – and people respect them.
✔ You tackle challenges instead of avoiding them.

And the best part? Self-efficacy can be trained.

How to Strengthen Your Self-Efficacy 

1. Take Action – No Matter How Small 

Every challenge you overcome, no matter how tiny, counts. Success builds success.

✅ Prepare better than ever for your next meeting – and own it.
✅ Practice saying “no” in a small situation and feel the difference.

2. Find Role Models

You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Learn from those who’ve done it before.

✅ Zora saw her classmates break the board – why wouldn’t she be able to?
✅ Your colleague got a raise? Learn what strategy and arguments she used to obtain it

3. Get Support

Surround yourself with people who believe in you when you don’t.

✅ Zora’s trainer gave her the confidence boost she needed
✅ A coach, mentor, or supportive network can do the same for you.

4. Learn to Handle Fear 

Doubt doesn’t kill opportunities. Hesitation does.

✅  Nervous about a presentation? Visualize yourself speaking with confidence – repetition rewires your brain.
✅  Dreading a tough conversation? Strong preparation gives you control.

5. Engage Your Body 

Your physical presence influences your mental strength – more than you think.

✔ Sit up straighter and notice the difference.
✔ Practice steady breathing before stressful situations.
✔ Try self-assertion and self-defense courses – not for the fight, but to boost your confidence, posture and presence.

Why You Need Both Self-Efficacy & Assertiveness 

Assertiveness is the ability to set clear boundaries, while self-efficacy is the confidence in knowing that you can stand your ground when needed.

The combination? Unstoppable.

Because when you have both, you…

🔥 Show up with authority without being aggressive.
🔥 Advocate for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable.
🔥 Step outside your comfort zone – voluntarily.

Choose effectiveness over doubt

Zora experienced that she was capable of more than she thought. Like she earned her belt, so can you move on to your next step.

Because  self-efficacy isn’t luck. It’s built through practice, experience, and the courage to take action instead of just overthinking. The board isn’t the real challenge, rather the courage to break through it.

How to Get Started 

Think of a challenge in your work life where you often hold back.

🔹 Is there a situation where you want to show up with more clarity?
🔹 A decision you’ve been hesitating to make?
🔹 A conversation you’ve been avoiding?

Set yourself one small, concrete action for the next 24 hours. Because real change doesn’t happen in your head – it happens in action.

Take the first step. Your self-efficacy grows with every challenge you take on.

We help professionals gain clarity, assert themselves, and achieve their goals. If this resonates with you, book your self-assertion coaching now and experience this unique martial arts-based method that strengthens both body and mind.