Most people think confidence is a steady trait you have it, or you don’t. From self-esteem that refuses to stick, to the myth of fearlessness, to the way one bored face in the audience can unravel your nerves, confidence is a moving target.

Authenticity isn’t about never changing as much as it is knowing when to adapt, without losing sight of who you truly are. Because sometimes, “that’s just how I am” can be a convenient excuse to avoid growth. And growth, messy as it is, is where real strength lives.

Mixed emotions are a common occurrence. One piece of research suggests that we experience them up to 36% of the time in our daily lives. Moments of delight are often intertwined with disappointment. but we struggle with allowing opposing emotions to co-exist.