Wear the weird thrift sweater on a regular Tuesday. Confidence is mostly practiced on days nothing’s at stake.

Nerve gets built in low-stakes conditions rather than summoned on the big day. An ordinary Tuesday costs you almost nothing if it goes badly, which makes it the cheapest place available to find out that being looked at is survivable. Saving the bold version of yourself for an important occasion means trying it out for the first time when it matters most.

Do one minor conspicuous thing this week on a day with no occasion: the sweater, the answer in class, the unusual order. Expect a comment and let it pass. Stack a few of those and the significant day arrives with the skill already in place.