Confidence Isn’t Born, It’s Built, Step by Step
Confidence Is Built, Not Born
As a kid, I wasn’t confident. In fact, I was made fun of constantly for my muscular arms. Some kids even gave me the nickname “Mangela.” 😒
Imagine being 10 years old and hearing that. It wasn’t just teasing; it made me feel like I didn’t belong—like there was something inherently wrong with me.
I’ll never forget one particular moment in my social studies class. We were watching Gladiator for some reason (don’t ask me why), and a boy shouted out, “That guy’s ripped—just like Angela!” The whole class laughed. I wanted to disappear. I stormed out, called my mom, and sat crying on the curb outside the school.
It was moments like that that stuck with me for years. They shaped how I saw myself—until I learned one crucial truth:
Confidence isn’t about how others see you. It’s about how you see yourself.
And the only way to build confidence? Action.
The Journey to Confidence
Gymnastics was my first glimpse of feeling strong. Within those four walls, I felt powerful. But outside of them, I shrank. I tried to hide my arms, my strength, my uniqueness.
That started to change when I began fitness competitions. Imagine this: I didn’t even own a pair of heels. My coach handed me a pair of clear stripper shoes and said, “You’ll learn.” And I did. Walking across a stage in practically nothing, while being judged? You’d think it would destroy your confidence, but instead, it taught me something.
Confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about showing up, even when you’re scared.
Later, American Ninja Warrior pushed me even further. Competing on national TV and tearing my ACL in front of millions of people? It was humiliating and painful. But coming back from that injury taught me that true confidence isn’t about never falling. It’s about getting back up.
Every stumble, every “no,” every misstep taught me something. Each one built a little more confidence, brick by brick.
Building Confidence in Your Own Life
I know what you’re thinking.... “That’s great for you, Angela, but I don’t even know where to start.”
I hear this all the time—especially from women in my pull-up program. They’ll say, “I’m not confident enough to try,” and I always tell them the same thing:
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from doing.
So where do you start? Let me tell you a story.
One of the women in my program came to me recently. She was terrified.
“Angela,” she said, “I’ve never done anything like this before. What if I fail?” I looked her in the eye and said, “The only way you fail is if you don’t try.”
She didn’t believe me at first. But she started small. One assisted pull-up. Then two. Then three. A month later, she messaged me saying, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I did my first unassisted pull-up.”
Confidence doesn’t come in one big leap. It’s built step by step, moment by moment.
Here’s What You Can Do Today
Let’s make this actionable. Imagine the version of yourself who’s confident, strong, and thriving. What would that version of you do today?
Would they take 10 minutes to try something new, like a workout or a skill they’ve been avoiding? Would they look in the mirror and celebrate something they’re proud of? Would they reframe a failure and say, “What did I learn from this?”
For me, confidence started with small actions. It started with showing up to the gym, even when I didn’t feel like it. It started with writing down one thing I did well each day. It started with surrounding myself with people who saw my potential, even when I couldn’t.
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to take one small step today.
A Final Thought
Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. The next time you doubt yourself, remember: Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, one action at a time.
Will YOU be the next success story?!
Sarah was strong, she was consistent with her workouts but she wasn’t getting her pull-up. She showed up day after day and kept attempting but all she got when she tried was a shrug.
You can work really hard at something, but if you aren’t doing the right things, it will never happen for you. BUT! There is a way for women to get pull-ups and I’ve cracked the code for you!
Workouts need to include Mobility, Stability and Strength + we have to remember that the pull-up is a total body movement. Men and women are built differently and this system is created for women.
You want to get your pull-up, I’ve got you! I’ve helped hundreds of women do it already.
Sarah wanted just one pull-up and now she’s doing multiples! She’s getting stronger, more confident and she is succeeding in her goals. So can you!
Rebecca is a busy mom and she wants to be a good role model for her son. She wants to show him that it's never too late to do hard things and go after goals. She wanted her pull-up but didn't have a roadmap. She got bar even and didn't know what to do to get there. She just wanted one pull-up!
Well, she came across Pull-Up Revolution and it all started to happen.
Rebecca has 2 pull-ups already and she hasn't even completed the first 6 weeks! Epic results!
Are you ready to get stronger and leaner, to gain muscle and finally get that elusive pull-up? Now is your chance!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN PULL-UP REVOLUTION
NOW BOOKING FOR 2025 SPEAKING EVENTS
Are you or someone you know looking for speakers for your next event or conference?
What if it all goes right?!
The Perfect Keynote for Professionals, Teams, and Organizations
What if, instead of fearing the worst, you envisioned the best? What could you accomplish if you embraced every challenge as an opportunity? How might your team grow if they learned to see setbacks as stepping stones? We all face obstacles, uncertainty, and pressure—but not everyone knows how to turn these experiences into fuel for success. That’s where Angela Gargano steps in.
As a 6x American Ninja Warrior, fitness coach, and resilience expert, Angela has seen both sides of the journey—triumphant wins and crushing defeats. She’s known the frustration of setbacks, from tearing her ACL on national television to battling her way back to peak performance. Through it all, she developed a powerful mindset that not only helped her return stronger but also allowed her to thrive. Angela shares this mindset with audiences worldwide, showing them how to embrace their struggles, shift their perspectives, and take control of their lives.
What If It All Goes Right? is based on Angela’s R.I.G.H.T Framework: a powerful 5-step process designed to equip individuals and teams with the tools to overcome challenges, embrace change, and achieve extraordinary results. This keynote isn’t just about surviving tough times; it’s about using those moments to unlock new levels of strength, confidence, and potential. When you shift your mindset, you can unlock a world full of possibility and positivity.
These are a few of my favorite things
Check out the products I use daily and those that have made tremendous impact in my life! I hope they'll help you too! From Supplements, Books, Toe Spacers, to Equipment, Redlight, Protein Drinks & More!
PWRLift
Welcome my NEW Sponsor @drinkpwrlift
Join the Hyrox Ladies Heat in Austin here!
We talk a lot about important of protein a lot especially for females. WELL this drink has 10g of protein AND electrolytes! So it is a way healthier version of Gatorade AND has that additional protein that all you ladies are needling! So swap this for gatorade, powerade any of those super processed artificial drinks for something that taste just as good and is WAYY better for you!
For 20% off your Order! Use Code: AGARGANO20
Joi Wellness Smart Supplements
I used to have a TON of supplement bottles... and I was taking a ton of stuff I "thought" I needed...until now.. I am pumped that I found Joiwellness!
1-First you get your blood taken (you can do this at a local lab corp)
2-Then they do a full reading on all your levels! I got a FULL panel so I could see hormones, nutritions etc that I needed!
3-THEN over a virtual Zoom call a doctor goes over your panel WITH you so you can understand what is going on in your body!
4-Then they create CUSTOM supplements based on what YOU need!
They come in this cute little packet sot they are easy to travel with and it makes taking your supplement so easy so you CAN stay consistent with it!
Anyways they are doing a 20% off sale side wide! Use my link below and CODE: BETTERYOU2024!
MEMORE
So you might be seeing me post a lot about Memore green powder lately! And that's because its not only an amazing quality green product but it also has 100% Serving of Greens (most products only have 25%), it taste great warm & cold AND... DRUM ROLL PLEASE.. its actually affordable lol most green packets are so expensive its annoying haha
Use Code: ANGELA for a discount
Link: www.yourmemore.com/angela
Slate Milk
You might see me drinking Slate Milk on my Stories on Instagram! I am OBSESSED! I am currently LOVING the Vanilla Latte AND French Vanilla Flavor!
20g of Protein in each can so it's perfect to hit those protein goals!
USE CODE: ANGELAG
for 15% OFF your Order
Merchandise
Had a LOT of request from you all about the Strong Feel Good Merch!
Use Code: JUSTBECAUSE for 10% OFF
Sale Ends March 7th
Hoodies, Tanks, Shirts
Oura Ring!
I have been using it to track my sleep, my HRV and also help with tracking my cycle. So many people are DIFFERENT with their energy levels and readiness! You can use this as data to determine what would be best for you specifically! I think it's much better than the Whoop! I think right now they have $50 off their Rose Gold Ring!
Pull-up Bar, Bands, Liquid Chalk
I keep getting asked about the equipment I use for pull-up! My at home bar is affordable, easy to use and sturdy! I also have a great recommendation for Assisted Pull-up Bands & Liquid Chalk!
You can check them out by Clicking here
FOREVER STRONG
Pre-Order this book from my friend Dr. Gabrielle Lyons!
Dr. Lyons offers an easy-to-follow food, fitness, and self-care program anchored in evidence and pioneering research that teaches you how to optimize muscle—no matter your age or health background. Discover how to overcome everything from obesity to autoimmune disorders and avoid diseases like Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and diabetes by following Dr. Lyon’s powerful new approach to becoming forever strong.
Truecoach
For any of my COACHES on here! STOP USING excel Spread sheets! I've been using TrueCoach for my clients programing since 2018 and its a GAME CHANGER
CLICK HERE to try it for 14 Days FREE and get $50 off your first month if you decide to sign-up!
TOE Spacers
I have Bunions...gross right? These toe spacers are great! I wear them every morning to help keep my toes in alignment and prevent and other issues! Its basically like a retainer for your toes!
Get ya Some Toe Spacers
https://spacermobility.rfrl.co/ropqy
Code: ANGELA393
Red Light Therapy!
Here is the Red light I am currently using! I will post more on benefits soon!
I particular use it to help with my circadian rhythm! It also has anti-inflammatory and anti aging properties!
USE CODE: ANGELAGARGANO
