Courage comes first. Confidence is what it turns into after you’ve done the scary thing a few times.

Confidence is usually described as a prerequisite, which leaves people waiting for a feeling that arrives only afterwards. It is built out of evidence, and evidence comes from having done the thing while still afraid. Courage is what you use before you have any proof, and it is available whether or not you feel ready.

Stop checking whether you feel ready and do one repetition of the thing you are avoiding. Then do it again next week. The feeling you are waiting for is on the other side of about five attempts.