Not too long ago, I had a realization that was both humbling and empowering—I’ve earned my place as a speaker and coach. It wasn’t about comparing myself to others; it was about finally owning my strengths and understanding the impact I bring.
Confidence is such an interesting thing. When you think of people who command attention, like Adam Levine or
John Legend, it’s not just their talent that makes them stand out. It’s their self-assured presence. They’re intentional about how they show up for the world, and it’s magnetic. But why does being confident sometimes feel like breaking a rule?
I’ve noticed this especially with women—we’re often told not to “show off,” as if celebrating our strengths somehow crosses a line. It’s easy to internalize those messages and start doubting ourselves. But here’s the truth I’ve come to believe deeply: we can’t step into our potential if we’re too afraid or ashamed to even acknowledge it.
What Is Brand Misti?
Brand Misti is really about peeling back the layers and discovering what matters most to you. It’s about asking the tough questions and allowing yourself the space to answer honestly.
For me, this approach starts with knowing both my gifts and my challenges. I’m empathetic and a good listener. I connect with people on a deep, human level and can articulate things others might be struggling to put into words. But I also want to be clear—I don’t always get things perfectly right. Impatience, pushing too hard for solutions, or sometimes overextending myself are tendencies I’ve worked on for years. The thing is, I don’t view those qualities as failures; they’re areas where I’m still learning and growing.
That’s the heart of what Brand Misti stands for. It’s about understanding your “whole self”—your talents and weaknesses, your priorities and fears. When you get clear on those things, you stop running on autopilot and start living (and leading) with intention.
The Three Questions
Getting “Mistified” isn’t about following a formula. It’s about asking yourself three key questions that can help you uncover what’s already true for you:
- Who are you?
What do you stand for, and what really matters to you? (This one takes some soul searching, but it’s worth it.) - What value do you bring?
What is that unique thing you do that makes a difference for others? Chances are, it’s something that feels so natural to you, you might even overlook it. For me, it’s clarity—I help people see to the heart of what’s important. - Why does it matter?
Why do you do what you do? What’s at stake if you don’t take action or share your gifts?
These three questions can guide so many areas of your life—from how you show up in relationships to how you lead your team or company.
Why Clarity Is the Key
Most people avoid looking too closely at themselves. It’s natural to fear what we might see. But I’ve found that the real strength comes when we decide to face ourselves with honesty and compassion. Sure, we might cringe at some of the ways we’ve “tried” to be someone else or live up to unrealistic expectations, but it’s through that process that we start figuring out who we really are.
What I’ve learned is that clarity creates freedom. When you know what matters to you—not what the world says should matter, but what truly drives you—it’s so much easier to stop wasting energy on things that don’t align with your goals. You can focus on what fills you up and makes an impact.
Building Confidence, Day by Day
Confidence doesn’t come from never making mistakes. It comes from knowing yourself well enough to trust that you’ll figure things out. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, either. True confidence feels quiet but sure. It feels like showing up as yourself, without apology.
Here are a few ways to start building that foundation for yourself:
- Take time to reflect.
Ask yourself the three questions and write down the answers. Don’t overthink it; just see what comes up naturally. - Get feedback from people you trust.
Sometimes others see our strengths more clearly than we do. Ask people you admire what they feel you’re great at. - Celebrate small wins.
Confidence grows when we acknowledge progress, even if it’s just one small step forward. - Define success on your terms.
What feels meaningful to you? Get clear on that, and don’t worry about whether your version of success looks like anyone else’s.
Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up honestly, learning as you go, and staying grounded in what matters most to you.
Moving Forward
If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: you don’t need to have it all figured out to step into your
potential. Start with where you are. Get curious about what makes you unique. And, most of all, give yourself permission to show up as you—not a version of you that others expect, but the real deal.
That’s what Brand Misti is all about. It’s not about being flashy or over-the-top. It’s about clarity, confidence, and connection. We all have something valuable to offer, but the first step is seeing it for ourselves. Are you ready?
Here’s To Your Greatness,
Misti Burmeister
Misti Burmeister has been solving people problems and empowering leaders for nearly 20 years, increasing engagement and productivity across generations. Help your team reach its highest potential at https://www.MistiBurmeister.com