454. Remain Calm. Confidence Ahead with Michael Herold

In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, host Dr. Yael Schoenbrunn interviews confidence coach and ACT practitioner Michael Herold about his evidence-based confidence-building course. The conversation centers on dismantling common myths about confidence, particularly the belief that you must first achieve the 'right mindset' or motivation before taking action. Herold challenges this notion with the powerful metaphor of driving a car: instead of waiting for your thoughts and emotions to be perfect (passenger seat), you must take the driver's seat and move forward despite discomfort. He emphasizes that anxiety and self-doubt are not enemies to be eliminated but passengers to be acknowledged and managed. The core of his approach lies in 'comfort zone challenges'—low-stakes, playful exercises like lying down in public or asking for something off-menu—to build experiential evidence that discomfort doesn't equal danger. These practices help individuals rewire their relationship with fear, proving that they can act in alignment with their values even when anxious. Herold shares transformative stories of participants who overcame social anxiety, launched music careers, and gained life-changing confidence through these methods. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on how small acts of courage can ripple into profound personal transformation.