How Small Steps Build Real Confidence

Confidence isn't something you wait for. It's something you build through action, one small step at a time. Most people think they need confidence before they can take action. But what if it actually works the other way around? In this episode of The Expert Method, Ian Gatzke sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter to explore how small, intentional actions can build real confidence, help us overcome perfectionism, and create meaningful personal growth. Christiane shares her Petite Practice philosophy: the idea that small steps, repeated consistently, can lead to bold results. Drawing from her experience as a professor and her work helping people become comfortable with discomfort, she explains why confidence comes from doing the things that challenge us, not waiting until those things feel easy. They also explore the perfectionism trap that keeps people from putting their work into the world, why personal transformation requires more than checking boxes, and how understanding your own story can help you discover the unique value you have to offer. You don't need to transform your entire life overnight. You need to take the next small step, follow through, and prove to yourself that you're capable of more than you thought. =============== Dr. Schroeter’s Links: - Website: https://doctorchristiane.com - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/christianeschroeter - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.christiane - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doctor.christiane - YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@doctor.christiane Dr. Schroeter’s Books: https://doctorchristiane.com/books =============== Download the Program Execution System Toolkit: https://implementgpts.com/pestoolkit =============== - My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-gatzke/ - Schedule Free Blueprinting Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/implement-ai-blueprinting =============== Highlights: 0:00 Episode Highlight 1:01 Stop Checking Boxes 5:34 Growth Requires Discomfort 8:22 Start With a Petite Practice 12:23 Confidence Comes From Repetition 15:44 You Don’t Have to Be Perfect 17:38 Escape the Perfectionism Spiral 22:34 Growth Changes Who You Are 25:52 Find Your Superpower in Your Roots 30:47 Turn Your Mess Into a Message