Episode Description
In this electrifying episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with transformational speaker, coach, and author Juan Bendana, whose new book Confident by Choice is poised to reshape how we think about courage, action, and self-belief.
This conversation dives deep into a liberating truth: confidence isn’t a fixed trait—it's a daily decision. Together, Chris and Juan unpack the Confidence Cycle, a four-part science-backed framework (Micro Energy → Micro Courage → Micro Action → Micro Proof) designed to help everyday people break through fear and build an inspired life—one step at a time.
But this episode is more than a framework. It’s a heart-to-heart about mentorship, identity, failure, and the beauty of baby steps. Juan opens up about battling binge eating, hitting rock bottom, and how a good friend’s invitation to California helped him reset his entire life. From the weight of imposter syndrome to the surprising science behind confidence and Olympic achievement, Juan reminds us that we are all capable of change—especially when we stop trying to get it perfect and start moving with purpose.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure where to begin, this episode is your signal to start. Listen in, take a breath, borrow some belief, and get ready to build the life you know is waiting for you.
10 Quotes from the Episode:
- “Confidence is not the absence of self-doubt. It’s the willingness to act anyway.” – Juan Bendana
- “The way out is through. And the way through is trust.” – Chris Schembra
- “Confident people spend more time with self-doubt than less confident people. They just have a better relationship with it.” – Juan Bendana
- “When something bad happens, most people ask, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ Confident people ask, ‘What do I do next?’” – Juan Bendana
- “Energy is the spark. Courage is the ignition. Action is the engine. Proof is the fuel.” – Chris Schembra
- “You can borrow someone else’s confidence. Just try on their life like it’s a fresh pair of Jordans.” – Juan Bendana
- “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (quoted by Juan)
- “The people in your life need you more than you think. Build your confidence, then give it away.” – Juan Bendana
- “Olympians aren’t born more confident. They just commit to small steps over time.” – Chris Schembra
- “I’m not there… yet. That single word creates space for growth, grace, and transformation.” – Juan Bendana
10 Key Takeaways:
- Confidence is a process, not a personality trait. It’s something we build through micro decisions, not something we’re born with or without.
- Micro Energy is the foundation. Whether it’s rest, excitement, curiosity, or joy—building momentum starts with finding even the smallest spark.
- Micro Courage means choosing discomfort on purpose. Confidence grows when we lean into fear, not when we avoid it.
- Micro Action is where transformation begins. Even walking to the gym without going inside can be a powerful first step.
- Micro Proof is confidence in motion. Success and failure both offer evidence that we’re capable of growth.
- You don’t have to do it alone. Mentorship, community, and borrowed belief are part of the journey.
- Failure builds confidence when it’s reframed. Trying and failing proves you had the courage to show up, and that’s enough.
- Imposter syndrome is a sign of growth. It shows you're operating at your edge, where confidence can be forged.
- Language matters. Swapping “I can’t” for “I can’t… yet” changes fixed mindsets into growth mindsets.
- Confidence creates identity shifts. When you accumulate enough proof, you don’t just act differently—you become someone new.
Suggested Follow-Up Actions for Listeners:
- Pre-order Juan’s book Confident by Choice (link in show notes)—and send it to someone who needs a boost of belief.
- Do one micro action today toward a goal you’ve been putting off—send the email, take the walk, make the ask.
- Reflect and journal: Where in your life are you telling yourself "I'm not enough"? Rewrite that story with "...yet."
- Send a voice note to a friend or team member with words of confidence. “You’re amazing. I’m glad you’re here.”
- Reach out to Juan on LinkedIn and say “You’re welcome”—as a callback to the moment he thanked all the strivers listening.
Episode Links:
- 📚 Pre-Order Confident by Choice by Juan Bendana
- 🌐 Follow Juan on LinkedIn
- 📨 Contact Juan directly via email in the show notes
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