(Photo courtesy of Alysha Rosly, unsplash.com)
We’ve all been there. You’re at a concert, a game, or maybe watching a speaker on stage, and suddenly you feel it—a surge of energy, a thrill that has nothing to do with what’s happening and everything to do with the person in front of you radiating pure confidence. That’s the magic Kim Gordon was talking about when she said, “People pay to see others believe in themselves.” It’s not just about talent or skill—it’s about witnessing someone who’s all in on what they’re doing. And, let’s be honest, that’s electrifying.
Believing in yourself is like putting on a performance that draws people in. It’s magnetic. Why? Because deep down, we’re all searching for that spark. We’re looking for someone who’s willing to bet on themselves because it gives us permission to do the same. Watching someone go for it—really go for it—makes you think, “Hey, maybe I can too.”
Think about it: We shell out big bucks to watch rock stars strut across the stage, athletes push past their limits, and actors bare their souls on screen. Sure, their talent is impressive, but what really gets us is their unwavering self-belief. It’s like they’re broadcasting a message straight to our guts: This is me, unfiltered and unapologetic. And we eat it up because we want to feel that fearless, too.
But here’s the kicker—believing in yourself doesn’t require a stage or a stadium. It can happen anywhere. It’s not about screaming “Look at me!” It’s about having the guts to show up as you are, no apologies, no pretending. That energy, that unshakeable faith in what you’re doing, is contagious. When you put yourself out there, whether it’s in a meeting, a relationship, or starting a passion project, people take notice. They’re drawn to it like moths to a flame.
Take a look at some of the most iconic people we admire—Oprah, Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, Steph Curry. Were they always the best, the smartest, the most talented? Not necessarily. But they believed in themselves long before anyone else did. They believed when it looked crazy, when people laughed, and when failure seemed inevitable. That kind of belief, the kind that doesn’t back down, is why we remember them.
I remember meeting a woman once at a business event who was pitching a startup idea that, frankly, sounded nuts. But as she talked about it—her eyes wide, her voice steady—you couldn’t help but lean in. Her belief was that strong. By the end of her pitch, she had people nodding along, some even scrambling for their checkbooks. What changed? Not the idea, but how she believed in it. You felt that she was all in. And it made you want to be all in, too.
That’s the power of going for it. When you put yourself out there with everything you’ve got, people don’t just see what you’re doing—they feel it. Your energy becomes an invitation. It’s as if you’re saying, “Come on, join me. Let’s see how far this can go.”
So, the next time you’re hesitating, holding back, or waiting for the “right moment,” remember Kim Gordon’s words: “People pay to see others believe in themselves.” You don’t need a stage, a microphone, or a million-dollar idea. You just need to step into who you are and own it. Because when you believe in yourself, others can’t help but watch—and who knows, you might just inspire someone else to go for it, too.
So, take a deep breath, step into your spotlight, and let the show begin. Because believing in yourself? That’s the best performance of all.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
