How can you gain confidence?

From one who did it: "fake it until you make it." "to be brave, act brave." do something even though you're terrified, and failure's not as bad as you think. Get good advice from a reliable person about a life situation or skill; someone without ideology or "all the answers". I often must kick myself in the butt to do something i'm scared of, but the alternative is worse -- living forever in fear and without skills.

Confidence: I agree with dr. Friedlander's comments. Also, "confidence" is relative and can evolve -- depending on your own expectations & what you're trying to accomplish. Maintaining a deep sense that you're capable of developing new skills -- and allowing yourself to make mistakes while learning -- is essential to confidence and mental health. Confidence grows as you gradually learn to trust yourself more.

Mastery: You sound like a person who wants to grow. Bravo! simply put: confidence is built upon mastery. Fear can be the biggest challenge to this. But if you try something new, you will effectively have walked through any doubt and now you are on the road to mastering it. Practice walking through your fears daily with some new task and watch your confidence grow. Be well.