Grow every day with a personalized plan. Start here

The Confidence Code

summary ofThe Confidence CodeBook by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman

11 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • Why feeling good about yourself isn't enough
  • How much of confidence is inherited vs. built
  • The exposure technique for taking real risks
  • How to quiet the inner critic and reframe failure
  • Why your confidence should look like yours

first KEY POINT

Why capable women hold back

Marilyn Davidson asked her students, year after year, what they'd deserve to earn five years after graduating. The men said around $80,000. The women said $64,000 for the same work. That $16,000 is a gap in confidence, not talent.This distinction is at the heart of The Confidence Code. Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman spent years with neuroscientists, geneticists, athletes, and leaders chasing one question: why do so many capable women hold back, and what can they do about it?Their answer is hopeful. Confidence is built through specific, repeatable moves you can start today. Over the next few minutes, you'll learn what confidence really is, how much of it lives in your genes, and the concrete habits that turn self-doubt into action.

second KEY POINT

What confidence actually is

Ask around, and you'll hear confidence described as a mood or a manner. The person who speaks the most or feels great about themselves seems to be the one who doubts themselves the least. Kay and Shipman started from roughly that assumption and abandoned it.Feeling good is pleasant but inert, and the loudest person in the room is usually just the loudest. What their research kept circling back to was more demanding: confidence is what gets you to act. It's the hinge between deciding something is possible and doing it.That's why reassurance so rarely changes anything. You can tell yourself you're capable or collect kind words from everyone around you and still not move. Words aren't the same as the willingness to step forward and risk coming up short.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Raised for praise

second KEY POINT

When in doubt, act

third KEY POINT

Quiet the inner critic

fourth KEY POINT

Confidence in your own style

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Katty Kay, a journalist and anchor for BBC World News America in Washington, DC, teams up with Claire Shipman, a fellow journalist and anchor for ABC News and Good Morning America. Together, they explore women's confidence.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know about?

The Confidence Code, authored by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, explores the complexities of self-assurance, particularly in women, by blending psychological research with practical advice. It examines how confidence impacts success and offers insights into building self-esteem in both personal and professional realms.

What are the key takeaways from The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know?

Key takeaways from The Confidence Code include understanding the difference between confidence and competence, recognizing the importance of taking risks, and the role of failure in building self-assurance. The authors emphasize that confidence is not innate but can be cultivated through practice and positive experiences.

Is The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know worth reading?

Yes, The Confidence Code is worth reading for anyone seeking to enhance their self-assurance, especially women navigating challenging environments. The book offers actionable insights backed by research, making it a valuable resource for personal and professional development.

How many pages is The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know and when was it published?

The Confidence Code consists of 256 pages and was published on April 15, 2014. This makes it a quick yet insightful read for those interested in boosting their confidence levels.

How can The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know help with self-improvement?

The Confidence Code serves as a guide for self-improvement by teaching readers how to embrace their strengths, tackle fears, and redefine their relationship with failure. Through its blend of science and personal stories, it empowers women to develop lasting self-assurance.