What Does It Really Mean to Believe in Yourself?
Probably, every one of us has heard this counsel before: Believe in yourself. We might have heard from a loving parent, an inspirational teacher, or even in a book. But what exactly does it mean?
There isn’t a one-single-right answer for this: it’s deeply rooted in one’s values. But what everyone can agree on is that it means to have confidence in your skills and abilities. Have you ever felt the opposite? A moment where your insecurities blocked your actions. We all have faced it in our lives. The good news is that it’s possible to overcome this feeling and achieve everything you want.
You Don’t Need to Wait to Feel “Ready”
One of the first lessons students learn in our classes is that they have everything they need now to give the first step toward their goals. Most people procrastinate their dreams for feeling they don’t have enough. They don’t have enough knowledge, skills, or experience to begin. Turns out, the more we wait, the farther we are from achieving our goals.
Cumorah Academy teaches that students ought to take the first step and thus the experience will come. As they believe in themselves and their potential, they’ll learn the lessons they need. The best moment to start something new is now.
Marcos’ Journey of Self-Belief
This was something remarkable that happened to Marcos dos Santos Junior, our talented student from Brazil, who experienced a journey of self-discovery with us.
A Typical Charisma from Brazil: Meet Marcos!
Those who encounter Marcos for the first time feel a good vibe. He’s always smiling and spreading joy. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he moved to Campinas, São Paulo when he was a teenager. Marcos served a religious mission in Belém, Brazil.
The gospel of Jesus Christ and his family are an indelible part of his life. He loves his family and the Savior. He has served in numerous assignments at the Church, coordinating events, meetings, and trainings. This gave him more experience in leadership and handling assignments.
It was this sense of pursuing more and attaining higher dreams that led him to Cumorah Academy. After hearing from close friends who studied at Cumorah, he knew it was the moment to embrace it.
All Starts When You Believe in Yourself
Before Marcos arrived at Cumorah Academy for the Winter Semester 2024, he was already stepping into a new phase of his career. Promoted to a leadership role in his company, he quickly realized that success would require more than a title—it demanded true personal growth. “I lacked some key leadership skills,” Marcos shared. “Determined to grow and excel in my new position, I decided to attend Cumorah to develop and strengthen my abilities.”
It was a bold move, especially since it meant leaving his country for the first time. But it turned out to be a life-changing decision.
Like many students, Marcos didn’t have all the answers when he arrived. In fact, the very act of defining his values and life direction was a struggle.
“Finding my true beliefs and building my life vision wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “I struggled to identify my core values and goals.” But something shifted when he dedicated an entire semester to this internal work. He discovered what truly matters most—a process that gave him clarity and strength he’d never had before.
“With this clarity, it’s much easier to make decisions that once felt incredibly challenging,” he said. “I have learned to truly believe in myself.”
That sense of self-belief wasn’t just a mindset. It became a daily practice—and a key part of the way Marcos began to lead and grow.
Lessons That Stay with You for Life
Of all the classes and mentors Marcos learned from, one concept stood out above the rest: accountability.
He’d heard the term before, but at Cumorah, it finally clicked. One phrase struck him like lightning:
“An accountable person owns their circumstances and results, even when they seem less than desirable.”
“That statement became a turning point for me,” Marcos said. “It was an awakening. I stopped making excuses and started living more intentionally. I took responsibility not just for my successes, but also for my failures.”
That shift in mindset has had a direct impact on his professional life, too.
After returning home, Marcos rejoined the company he had worked with previously. But now, he’s contributing in deeper, more strategic ways—working to create strong, replicable processes that could support the company’s expansion into franchising. And even more importantly, he’s building a team that shares his vision.
“We’re shaping a future full of opportunity and growth,” he said with confidence.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Work
For Marcos, personal growth was just as important as professional development. “Being my first time outside my country, my objective was to open my mind to other cultures, languages, and experiences,” he explained.
Today, he credits Cumorah with helping him gain a global perspective. “I can confidently say that my view of the world—and my potential to achieve what I desire—has expanded exponentially.”
That open mindset has also made him more grateful for the connections and mentoring he received. As a Guest Representative Assistant, Marcos had the unique chance to welcome mentors and their families. Those conversations left a lasting mark.
One moment with mentor Brian Baxter stood out. Marcos mentioned his plan to stay long-term with his current company, and Brian offered this simple but powerful advice:
“It doesn’t matter if your plan is to stay at the same company for a long time, as long as you document and showcase your progress… Track your results, courses, and achievements—whether it’s on your CV, LinkedIn, or elsewhere.”
It was another layer of accountability and vision that stayed with him.
Believe in Yourself—and Take the Leap
One of the most practical tools Marcos took from Cumorah was the DEAR MAN communication technique, taught by mentors Bret and Kate. “It’s hard to express how much that impacted my communication,” he said. “I also found the conflict resolution classes with Becca to be exceptional—they’ve been incredibly helpful in my job today.”
Although he’s in the same company and the same position as before, the way he shows up has completely changed. He’s more grounded. More intentional. And more capable of navigating challenges with clarity and calm.
His advice to future students?
“Don’t underestimate what these three months can offer. I’ve seen people miss out because they didn’t understand the full potential of this experience. Keep an open mind. Be ready to learn in unexpected ways. That’s when the real transformation happens.”
Ready to Believe in Yourself, Too?
Marcos’ story is one of courage, growth, and clarity—and it all began with a single decision to invest in himself.
At Cumorah Academy, you’ll find a community that challenges and supports you. You’ll discover tools that help you lead, communicate, and grow. And most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence to believe in yourself and shape the life you truly want.
If you’re ready to begin your transformation, apply now and join us for the next semester.
Your best chapter could be just one decision away.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
