Confidence Is the Key: From Horseshoes to Hustle

After spending six hours watching what could barely be called election results, I walked away with one key takeaway: If you want to get somewhere in life, you have to be a closer. As my dad always said, “Close only counts in horseshoes.”

That got me thinking: To be a closer, we need confidence. But confidence isn’t just about self-assurance—it’s about influence. It’s the force that makes people trust, follow, and invest, whether in ideas, products, or individuals. And in today’s fast-moving world, confidence is what separates those who close from those who almost do.

We see this play out in business every day. Consumers can switch from one company to its competitor in about two clicks and three seconds. There’s a disconnect between businesses and their online platforms—many fail to hold attention and loyalty. Yet, some brands rise above, creating avant-garde, trendsetting followings (think Glossier).

What do these brands do differently? They build confidence. If we take this concept back to high school economics, consumer confidence fuels optimism, which drives spending. So why not apply that same idea to our personal brand? If we are willing to invest in brands that exude confidence, shouldn’t we do the same for ourselves?

Holding confidence in our personal brand makes us stand out, adding punch and presence in how we’re perceived. We don’t want to feel disconnected from the people we interact with. Sure, celebrity culture has influence, but the people who shape our daily lives aren’t celebrities—they’re the coworkers, baristas, friends, and strangers who uplift us and inspire us. Each of us serves as an influencer, whether in fashion, beauty, ambition, art, work-life balance, STEM, writing, or love. Confidence isn’t about closing yourself off—it’s about engaging, listening to others’ passions, and boldly expressing your own.

How do we take part in this confidence revolution?

By recognizing the strengths of those around us and taking ownership of our own expertise.

By curating a life surrounded by confidence-boosting elements—whether that’s books, beauty products, or even framing a picture of yourself standing in front of the boldest pink wall you can find.

By welcoming moxie into our everyday lives. That might mean collecting daring art pieces, following vibrant artists online, or even building a playlist packed with energy. If you're looking for inspiration, The Kaplan Twins, Logan Ledford, Hunt Slonem, and Ashley Longshore defy traditional stereotypes in their art, bringing wit, playfulness, and language dissection into their work.

These artists, along with countless writers, composers, and designers, push boundaries and bring modern, ceiling-breaking ideas to the forefront. They inspire confidence and remind us that we have the power to influence our communities through passion. When we lift each other up and celebrate our individuality, we create a movement. And all it takes is a little moxie.

Ashley Longshore’s art gallery in Bergdorf Goodman

Hunt Slonem’s Range

The Kaplan Twins

Logan Ledford