3x3: On Confidence, Letting Go, and Facing What You Avoid

Hi, it’s Tom.

This week, I want to explore how to build confidence, why growth is often as much about letting go as it is about adding new things, and the necessity of facing what you avoid most.

Let’s dive in.

1. How Confidence Works

Confidence doesn’t come from thinking. It comes from doing.

When you overthink, you go in circles. You doubt yourself, replay every “what if,” and hesitate to act. But when you take action (however small), you create momentum.

Think about learning to swim. You can’t build confidence by reading about strokes or watching videos. You have to get in the water. The first attempt might feel clumsy, but each time you practice, the fear fades, and you get good enough to become confident.

Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It grows with every action you take. So don’t wait to be confident before you do things, confidence is the result of doing.

Question: What’s the smallest possible step you can take today to move forward in an area where you’ve been stuck? Take it.

2. Growth Requires Letting Go

We often think growth is about adding more: new skills, habits, or experiences. But sometimes, it’s about subtraction.

Think about decluttering your closet. You can’t add new clothes until you make room (even if I’m sure some of you are creative about this). It’s the same with life. Old habits, limiting beliefs, or even draining relationships take up mental and emotional space that stop you from growing.

• A habit: Spending hours scrolling on your phone might seem harmless, but it steals time you could use for learning, creating, or resting.

• A belief: “I’m too old to start something new” might be keeping you from chasing a passion you’ve been postponing.

• A relationship: A friend who constantly criticizes your ambitions and projects their own fears onto you might be holding you back more than you realize.

Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Growth isn’t just about taking on more, it’s about making space for what matters.

Question: What’s one thing in your life (a habit, belief, or relationship) you need to let go of to create space for growth?

3. The One Thing You’re Avoiding is What You Need Most

The hardest doors to open are often the most rewarding.

For me, that door has been promoting my work and publicly offering my services. I’ve poured countless hours into creating illustrations that inspire, educate, and resonate with thousands. I’ve received inspiring messages from people telling me they printed my illustration for their classroom so the kids would see them every day. Some people told me I changed their life through the wisdom I share every week and the unique perspectives I offer. Yet, there’s always hesitation.

What if people think I’m only in it for the money? What if they think I’m greedy? What if they think my work isn’t worth paying for?

But here’s the truth: I’m keeping the door locked myself. And behind that door lies not just income but validation and growth. I’ve let people pay for my work in the past, and I saw the value they placed on it. The same value I’d been afraid to claim. Yet, I’ve not been able to fully open the door yet. I’m always thinking, “I need more expertise, to build trust, to improve my craft.” But all these thoughts are simply self-limitations.

This year, I’ve promised myself to stop this. You can expect me to start promoting my illustrations, work, and services more often. That’s necessary if I want to keep creating consistently. I hope you’ll support it.

Question: What would you do right now, if you quit that one limiting belief that’s holding you back? Do it right now!

Something For You

If you’ve been inspired by my work and want to display it in your space, I’d love to make that possible for you.

Every illustration I create is designed to inspire and push you toward growth. If you’d like to bring this energy into your space, I’m offering HD versions of my visuals to print and frame for your home, office, gym, or classroom. I’m also exploring the idea of creating digital wallpapers, continue to let me know if that’s something you’d find valuable.

Reply to this email or message me on Instagram to get started. Seeing my illustrations in your spaces and in real life always brings me joy.

One Final Thought

Progress doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of deliberate action, making space for growth, and stepping onto the paths that scare you the most.

Start small. Start now. And keep moving forward.

À la semaine prochaine,

Tom