Katherine Chatfield | Self-confidence | I write for Cosmo

Mortgage repayments and job loss. A recipe for a lack of confidence? No. Sheer determination pushed self-doubt aside and she's living her dream.

I'm a freelance journalist living in Sydney. I write for several different publications including Cosmopolitan, Madison, Women's Health, Woman's Day and body+soul.

I'm 30.

I was born in Belgium to English parents. We moved back to the UK when I was three. I lived in France for 18 months before moving to Australia three years ago.

I love Australia and I'm still trying to see as much of it as possible. I never take the lifestyle for granted here - the weather, living by the beach, how friendly the people are - it's a constant reminder as to why I left behind the grey skies of London!

I am most likely to have self-doubt when I'm tired and over-worked.

The hardest time for me to stay confident is when I'm doing something I really want to succeed in. It makes me extra conscious of doing everything well.

I have overcome a lack of confidence by just getting on with things. I was working on the launch of a high-profile magazine when it folded and the whole team lost their jobs. Two days earlier I'd signed off on my home loan and I knew I had to make my first mortgage repayment. Having no option but to go out and get as much work as possible made me determined to make things work out. I was so focused I forgot to doubt myself.

What has helped me build my confidence is moving to the other side of the world without knowing anyone. Making a life for myself in a foreign country has made me realise that anything is possible if you want it enough.

It’s good to be confident because if you believe in yourself, other people will believe in you too.

I stay confident by reminding myself how much I've achieved.

When I was at school I dreamed of writing for magazines like Cosmopolitan. Now I do.

Visit Katherine's website.

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Comments

[Rachel Green]

What a great story of self-confidence Katherine, thank you. I am inspired by your reaction when you lost your job and had your first mortgage repayment. Brilliant. It also shows that our dreams can happen - that is so good for all of us to know. We look forward to the day you become the editor-in-chief!

Keep on shining with self-confidence.
Rachel.