“If you’re going to trust one person, let it be yourself.” – Robert Tew
While author Robert Tew’s words are worth living by, self-trust is hard. But the lack of it is harder.
Trusting ourselves can be challenging due to a combination of past experiences, external influences, and our innate fear of making mistakes.
What is SELF-TRUST?
Self-trust is staying true to yourself, relying on yourself, and believing in yourself in a world where you are surrounded by other people’s opinions and demands. Learning how to trust yourself is one of the most important things you can do to create the life you want or have always wanted.
But how do you know if you lack it?
Signs that you lack self-trust:
• You feel like you are not good enough.
• You are hard on yourself when criticised, feel guilty & ashamed for the choices you have made.
• You have difficulty in making decisions & constantly ask others for guidance.
• You are afraid of making the wrong choice or disappointing others.
• You follow the advice of an external authority, even when it’s harmful for you.
• You hide your authentic self; feel overly self-conscious.
Sound familiar? Then guess what…
You have been stopping yourself from reaching your potential! But it is never too late.
Here are 5 ways to build this SUPERPOWER:
1. Embrace your imperfections
Embracing imperfections is a powerful way to celebrate the uniqueness of ourselves and the world around us, fostering self-acceptance and genuine connections with others. Embracing yourself completely opens doors to making better judgment calls on decisions that would truly benefit you.
2. Learn (not fear) from failures
Failure is not the end; it is a stepping stone to success. Don’t be harsh on yourself over every mistake you make. It’s okay to stumble on the path to success. Remember, it’s not about never falling; it’s about getting up every time you do.
3. Baby steps to success
If you don’t trust yourself to make a big decision or act on your dreams, start small. Give yourself permission to do something just for you every day, something that makes you feel good no matter how small it is. Each time you decide to listen to your own needs, you will strengthen the trust within you.
4. Express your authentic self
Let go of the idea that everyone is supposed to like you. When you stay true to who you are, your tribe will find you. This way, you won’t be constantly worried about every step you take, and always second guess your decisions.
5. Trust your intuition
While overthinking gets in the way of self-trust, intuition boosts it. Don’t just rely on your thoughts, include your feelings when making that decision. Practice meditation and take some time to listen to what your gut has to tell you. It (mostly) is always right!
Ralph Waldo Emerson, American lecturer and philosopher once said,
“Self-trust is the first secret to success.”
It starts with YOU. Always remember, building self-trust is a journey not a destination. So, as you embark on your journey to success, adopt these 5 building blocks for SELF-TRUST and reach new heights in both your personal and professional life!
*Content from WoW team
