The opposite of being nervous is not necessarily confidence, it’s anticipation and eagerness.

We can manage our nerves by reframing a scary situation to think about the aspects of the event that you are anticipating or can learn to anticipate. Focus on the anticipation. Nervousness aims to scare you whereas anticipation aims to excite you.

This goes hand-in-hand with visualisation. Visualise facing your fears, so when you encounter them you will have the experience to overcome them – even if that experience is imagined.

Visualise the excitement so when the moment comes you can truly focus on just that moment and find the joy in it.

Be honest in your introspection and seek to understand what scares you and what excites you. This knowledge will allow you to hone the tools you need to have mastery over yourself.

Keep up to date with who you are and who you are becoming. You change slowly but often only realise the change long after it has taken place. Be prepared for who you are becoming and welcome your new self.

When you know yourself and anticipate what is to come (even if what is to come is scary), the nerves settle and you can face the future with courage.