“Just trust yourself then you will know how to live.” ~ Goethe, Faust
Each of us has a life tool available to us that’s able to provide us with the courage, empowerment, self-sufficiency, and confidence it’ll take to assist us in expanding our territory.
In my opinion, no one explains this tool that has to be developed and crafted by our own selves quite like Mr. Bob Dylan, himself.
Are you familiar with his song, “If You Need Somebody You Can Trust, Trust Yourself?” If not, you should check out this link I’ve shared for the song and a couple of images the creator of this YouTube video provided for us of Mr. Dylan… after you’ve read the rest of this post, that is – if you would be so kind.
The life tool Bob and I are referring here, in this post, is that of self-trust.
The song is one of my favorites performed by him. The part that really inspired this post is the second verse. It says,
Trust yourself
Trust yourself to know the way that will prove true in the end
Trust yourself
Trust yourself to find the path where there is no if and when
Don’t trust me to show you the truth
When the truth may only be ashes and dust
If you want somebody you can trust, trust yourself
How many of us have looked in the direction of other people to find what lies true for ourselves?
How many times have we invested in other people, things, and then failed to render back to ourselves the same offering?
Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s just as important for us to receive and offer trust to others, but I have come to believe that we should be the first recipients of our own trust, before even trying to offer it elsewhere.
We each know someone who have placed their life in the hands of their religious leaders, their education, their spouse or companion, family members and some have gone as far to place such trust in people who are far better off than they believe themselves to be. I know, because I was one of them at one point, myself.
Even at the age of 35, I’m still getting my fair share of lessons of being aware of where and of how much I am placing my trust.
I’m not sure how other’s justify this behavior, but for me, I thought that if I gave that power to someone else, and if things didn’t work out as planned, I’d then have someone else I could blame.
Is there someone you’re blaming right now, because they didn’t use your trust , how you thought it should have been managed?
Here’s what I believe… self-trust has requirements. It require us to take responsibility for our actions, but it also allows us to make better choices concerning our lives, more confidently. It takes away the second-guessing and doubting that tends to occur when we fall in those times of uncertainty.
As I have continued to reshape the trust I have in myself, I find that I am growing in how I respond, manage, and react when it comes to making decisions and life choices.
So on today, I wanted to share a few essential improvements I’ve made, in order to improve my own self-trust. Perhaps, if you’re lacking in this department, you will find them useful, as well. But if the trust you have in yourself is certain, then this will simply be a reminder, enjoy.
- As previously stated above, learn to take responsibility for what’s being said and done, by you.
- Retrain yourself on how you can better communicate with yourself and others. (This one is a BIGGIE)
- Learn to listen to your intuition or that pang in your gut. It usually knows what’s best for you.
- There may not be an answer each time. Learn to accept that. There’s somethings in life, we just aren’t meant to know – right now or at all.
- Use the wisdom of other people that’s already been shared. However, choose whose information you will use very wisely.
- Trust your past experiences. A lot can be learned from past mistakes and failures. It’s all in our perception. Remember what Norman Vincent Peale said, “…No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see the possibilities — always see them, for they’re always there.”
- Avoid negative people who believe they know what’s best for your situation. Become selective of the information you share, and with whom you share it.
- Don’t be afraid to try it differently. Begin shattering the windows and tearing down the walls of your comfort zone. It really is a self-made prison, but one that we have to want to break free from.
- Give yourself a little slack. You don’t have all the answers, and that’s OK. That’s the beauty of life. We get to learn as we go along.
- Stay in your lane, boo. Be a ghost to certain life situations. Know what’s meant for you to entertain, and what’s not.
By learning how to trust ourselves, we also will begin to understand what Bob Dylan meant when he sung those words… If we need somebody we can trust, we need only to begin trusting the power within us.
Over to you,
How did this post resonate with you? I’d love to here your thoughts, opinions, and any stories you might have that will drive this article home with other readers. Please feel free to share them below, bloggers and non-bloggers, alike. Thank you in advance.
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
What does Beyonce say in her song: “I know that i will never disappoint myself.” <– true!
Great reminder Deone! I think that so many times people get so caught up in placing all of their trust and investment in others that they forget that they should really trust and invest in themselves first and foremost — well, let me correct that: 1st and foremost, trust your Creator, *then* next trust yourself and use that trust in the Creator to fully invest in yourself. It is so very crucial to do so not just some time, but ALL of the time!
We always talk about the importance of communication with others, but you're so right–it's as equally (if not more) important to have that good base of communication with yourself, too. When i was younger, an older cousin of mine used to say "There's nothing wrong with talking to yourself–and if you answer yourself, that's cool, too!" I think that self-communication helps tremendously in guiding us the right way that we're supposed to go in life.
Even though I love me some Bob Dylan, I'd never heard this song until today — what a great song! I'm putting this one in my 'empowerment' playlist!
Thank you so very much for sharing this one, my Friend! You are beyond awesome!!
MELISASource recently posted this awesomeness..What Gabby Douglas Olympic Performance Taught Me: Everything May Not Be Meant for You
Hey Makeba,
“Me, Myself, and I”, great song with lots of meaning behind it… one of my favorites from Mrs. Carter.
You’re absolutely right about placing our trust in the Creator, first and foremost. By placing our trust in It, we are able to see ourselves as the Creator intended and learn to treat ourselves accordingly.
Self-trust also allows us to improve our self-talk tremendously, wouldn’t you agree? Your cousin was right on point. We must talk to ourselves and wait for our inner voice to respond… and it always responds. Maybe not how we intended for it too. But that’s where self-trust comes into play.
I’m glad to know that I was able to introduce you to this great song from Bob Dylan. It is one of those songs that when we aren’t in the right space or possessing the energy we want, it’s a great one to play back and grab that burst of empowerment we are in need of receiving.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! You’re the greatest!
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..The 4 Keys of Self-Sacrifice
Absolutely Deone!
I think there can be nothing better than trusting our own-selves. We then become totally independent whether anyone else trusts us or not, because we aren’t then dependent on them trust or not trusting us.
People change and so do their thoughts and views, which tends to shift their trust from us (if they had it earlier) to others. This in turn only causes more heart-aches and hurt – thus creating negativity around. I guess it’s best to not rely on others for trusting us, because that strength lies within us – just waiting to be tapped.
Loved the tips shared about self-trust and I think they do total justice to the wonderful song sung by Bob as well.
Thanks for sharing and reminding all of us to trust ourselves more than anyone else.
Harleena Singh recently posted this awesomeness..Are You Good at Making Friends
Hi Harleena,
You mentioned something that makes trusting ourselves imperative. “People change and so do their thoughts and views….”, whenever people change towards us, the most likely thing we (as people) do is think that something is wrong with us.
That’s why it’s so important for us to trust ourselves, even when people lose trust somehow in us. In having self-trust, even though they may relinquish their trust, we will be secure in our knowing the issue wasn’t us, but rather a misunderstanding or a change in perception that wasn’t disclosed or communicated properly.
In which case, I see that as being their issue that failed to reach our attention. If it were to have reached our attention, we would then be able to better handle the situation. If this doesn’t take place, we must always rely on ourselves to know that improving our own trust in who we are, will also cause some to see it as being selfish or coincident. Again, their issue.
Thanks for the wonderful thoughts shared on this article, my friend. It’s always a pleasure to read you.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..If You Need Somebody You Can Trust, Trust Yourself
Inspirational Deone, and great advice. One of my favorite quotes is “Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.” Personally, I’ve never had a problem trusting myself, however it’s always been a struggle to trust others. Just going by some of the feedback I receive from my own readers, I’d have to say I’m not alone with that particular challenge.
Good day, Marquita!
I absolutely love that quote also. It really gets down to the nitty gritty of the matter, doesn’t it?
While my trust in myself has continued to grow stronger and stronger over the years, I do believe the lack of trust I used to have in me, also impacted my trust in others, as well. It too, my trusting others, has improved overtime also.
However, I believe it’s completely appropriate for us to use our best judgment, as well as our own self-trust, on how we go about placing our trust in other people. Our trust, much like forgiveness, is a gift we give to ourselves and other. If that gift is mistreated when being given to others, we must know (as they must know) it can and will be taken back.
Thanks for sharing such personal thoughts here, Madam. I love to read what you’re thinking about my article. I can always expect you to share a perspective from your life experiences.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..The Manipulators Modus Operandi
Most people fail to do things is because they are lack of self confidence. It is okay you have a doubt at the moment but you can learn to conquer your doubt and fear. And as you learn you can develop your attitude to trust your self. How can others trust you if you can trust your self first. Learn and correct your attitude.
dlysen recently posted this awesomeness..Change what you can. Accept what you can’t
Hi Dlysen and Welcome,
I totally agree with you, my friend. If we are lacing in self-confidence, then self-trust won’t do us much good, will it. Fear and doubt is completely necessary, I think… it helps us to build upon both, our trust and confidence in ourselves, wouldn’t you agree? Attitude is an important part of the “self-equation” also. Bottom line here, self-improvement is necessary across the board. Whatever we offer to others, we must ensure that we are the first recipient of such goodness.
Great thoughts, my friend. I do hope to read you here again soon. Namaste!
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..5 Quick Ways to Avoid Being Used
A tough subject Dee, taught it well. I’ve struggled with trust my whole life. Be it trusting myself or others. I’m learning trust doesn’t come easy but it does come if we are willing to “put in the work” so to speak.
Lack of communication (in self and others) is a trust killer. Communication with one’s self is a special gift. As the walls break down, trust grows. So many of us don’t see our potential because of all the little things that we see as mountains- I’m not saying we don’t have mountains in our lives- I’m just saying we’re giving up our self trust over bricks that didn’t need to become part of our wall.
Love the reminders- copied into my “Me” journal for Gloria research! And yes Boo, I am staying in my on lane and it has made a difference in my life.
Thanks for the share.
Hey there Gloria,
Thank you for the compliment, my friend. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the article.
I can tell through your shared thoughts here that your own self-talk and ability to trust (yourself and others) is growing and improving tremendously! Way to grow forward, Glo! You go girl!
You’re absolutely right though, learning how to better communicate with ourselves and others is the key for us learning how to apply trust. If we know what we want to say and how we should say it, we will build our trusting skills across the board. We must still use caution when sharing trust with others, but when we trust ourselves to know that’s it’s OK to let down the wall we put up to protect ourselves, we will know to whom we should offer our trust to and when. We will also know when it’s time to cut it back or take it away altogether, as well.
I just love the idea of a “Me” journal. That’s brilliant! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and that little gem with me and the readers here. Most awesome! I am SO VERY PROUD of your progress, my dear! Keep up the great work on “self.”
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Getting to Know the Word “No” Better
A timely post for me, Deone. I’ve been working on this as well. I have recently become increasingly aware of how I take on others’ negative opinions of me as being truth. It’s been important for me to realize that trusting myself means trusting in who I really am, not the me others have defined to suit their illusions.
Ken recently posted this awesomeness..A Note to Teacher
Hey Ken,
I’m glad to here this resonated with you, right on time.
I also completely understand and relate to what you’ve shared here. I’ve had many similar experiences, myself. I would allow people’s opinion of me or what I was doing to cloud my perception of myself. I actually wrote a section in my new book I’ve been working on about this very topic. Many times we form false opinions of ourselves based on the assumptions others have produced or fabricated with the little information we’ve given them, or that they’ve gathered on their own. This is why self-trust is so very important, I think. No matter what people say, think, or feel about who they think we are, when we trust and know ourselves; we are completely unmoved by whatever it is the bring to us. We know our truths, and that truth is what sets of free from their limiting thoughts about us.
Thanks for sharing such honesty here with me, my friend. It’s a great addition to the discussion.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..“What’s My Motivation?” – Uncovering My Life Mission Statement
Hey Deone,
Yes, indeed! So many simply don’t trust their intuition or they sell themselves short, and think others are so “in the know.” I know, ’cause I did that for years.
They lack the self-confidence to bust out, let ‘er rip and make big things happen their own way. You know I’m a big believer in forging your own path and letting go of that mindset that says we have to follow. We are conditioned to follow like sheep. I did it for years. It kills creativity, productivity and spirit. It sucks, frankly
“Learn to listen to your intuition or that pang in your gut. It usually knows what’s best for you.”
–Love this.
“Avoid negative people who believe they know what’s best for your situation. Become selective of the information you share, and with whom you share it.”
–This too, and I really dig the Norman Vincent Peale quote, but …
… my favorite …
“Begin shattering the windows and tearing down the walls of your comfort zone.”
You know how I feel about that. Giving discomfort a giant bear hug!
Awesome post, Sir! Keep inspiring.
Craig McBreen recently posted this awesomeness..The key to online success? YOU
Man, Craig! You had me grinning like a Cheshire Cat that just found out where milk came from on a dairy farm.
Thanks for the huge compliment, mate!
I was much like you, my friend. I thought everyone else had the answers to my life. I quickly discovered that they only had the answer, because I was soaking it up as if I was Downy.. “the quicker picker upper!” I had to learn how to questions things, and people.
The moment I began questioning… EVERYTHING; was the moment I began to break free from the chains of conformity.
It’s been a liberating and eye-opening experiences. One that I so wish I had experienced earlier. Oh well, better late than never, right. It’s time to make due with what I have left, in making the second part of my life, the best part of my life.
Thanks for checking out the post and for the high praises, my friend. It’s encouraging coming from you. Much appreciated.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Forgive Yourself and Release Those Who’s Actions Speak Louder than Words
This post is wholly in line with the kind of person that I want to be and that I work toward being. I especially vibed with your point about intuition. I think we really underestimate our gut feeling but only because we don’t take enough time to really listen to it. And past experiences contribute to the development of our intuition if we let them.
One that I especially struggle with is understanding that “there may not be an answer each time.” I really like that point! Imagine all those people who make pros and cons lists, adamant about choosing an answer or making a decision. But sometimes the decision is to not do anything yet! =) Interesting concept. And that ties in nicely with cutting ourselves some slack. We really need to relax more about life. =)
Thanks for this amazing post, friend! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted this awesomeness..Ramiro Saavedra: The Peruvian Kurt Cobain
Hey there Sam!! =)
I am so delighted to read you, my friend. It’s seems as though it’s been forever, eh.
I think this is the kind of person we all should aspire to become, if we aren’t already. And I would certainly agree with you that we don’t give our gut feeling the due diligence it deserves. The more I’ve retrained myself to listen to my inner voice, the more I’ve come to see it as being the greatest gift in my possession. It really has served me greatly – a lot here lately.
I think it’s human nature for us to need answers. We must be in the know about everything that could potentially affect us in any way. But it takes an improvement of self-awareness to accept that we won’t have every answer answered, in the time frame we often require. I truly think the more we make peace with “not knowing”, but moderately seeking new information, the better off we’ll be.
Great insights and powerful truths you’ve shared, Santy! Thank you, my friend.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Forgive Yourself and Release Those Who’s Actions Speak Louder than Words
You are scarily awesome with each post of yours, no wonder I stalked you!
Trusting oneself as I see it has a lot to do with feelings of confidence in your belief, your actions, your intentions and thoughts. What we get into is the trap that “others might not approve of us”. We fall into the trap of getting other approval because we don’t trust our self. We need to realize that we are just as capable and just as trustworthy. The power is truly within us!
Hajra recently posted this awesomeness..Why you will always be too young / too old for social media.
You’re so right though… Being able to trust ourselves is the first step to ridding ourselves from having to seek validation, acceptance, and approval from others. Most of the time, people only reject us because they can sense the lack of approval we’ve given to ourselves. I’m finding that the best way to combat this behavior is to believe in who we are and what we’re able to do. As soon as this happens, we will quickly see that those who support us, have and will always support us. The power indeed, lies within ourselves. Very well said!
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Limit-less Leader – Begin to See “You” Differently
Hey Deone
That quite an inspirational post for all of us who always depend upon others for advice and support. Trusting yourself I guess will be best in the way that you will never be disappointed. We humans are always finding someone or the other to share ourselves and when we are betrayed, it leaves us shattered and broken. We are always trusting others and ignoring the best person to be trusted, that i we ourselves. No one has lived our life therefore no one can judge us better than we ourselves.
I had great trust issues with myself and I have really improved upon it now and this is one big lesson I have learnt in life- never to underestimate myself and always to trust myself more than others and it has surely helped me a lot.
Thanks for this wonderful insight.
Hi Richa,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this great ongoing discussion.
We do have a tendency of finding others to place our trust in, and although it isn’t necessarily bad for us to do so; trusting ourselves will ensure that we place our trust in the right people. We can’t possibly know each and every person’s that will betray us, but if we are trusting in ourselves we’ll surely bounce back quicker whenever it does happen.
I’m glad this was an inspirational post for you. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me.
Hey Deone,
The title of the post is very engaging and speaks volumes about the theme of the post. Trust in my opinion is a very delicate word, as once it is broken, you are never in the position to trust the same person with the same heart. I agree, it’s better to trust oneself rather than trusting on other individuals. When one starts trusting himself, he gets in a lot of confidence which aids in leading a better life and attaining great success. Trusting oneself also leads to less of disappointments and blames. Thanks for sharing this inspirational thought. I had a lovely time reading it.
Greetings and Welcome, Aayna!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this article. I equally enjoyed reading your insights, as you did the post.
Trust, I agree, is a delicate word. The trust we have in ourselves is detrimental to the trust we put in others. It will ensure that we have less disappointments and blame to shift, that’s for sure.
Very well said. I hope to read you here again soon. Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Life Changes: Get Out of the Shell of the Comfort Zone
There is no greater power than the power of Self. Trusting one’s own self instils self-confidence and that’s what builds a personality and keeps it going. Thanks for the inspiring post Deone. I completely agree with your view point.
Hi Fatima and Welcome!
I absolutely agree with you, my friend. There is no greater power than Self… self-assurance, self-awareness, self-respect, self-trust, and so much more.
I truly appreciate your insights and hope to read more of them in the near future. Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..To Be “Morally Obligated” or Not to be “Obliged”, that is the Question
A lot of people suffer from low self esteem and lack of confidence. This could be attributed to past mistakes and wrong decisions they “think” they made. When this happens, people normally blame their inability to make sound judgments and, from then on, would hold back when presented with situations that would require them to make important decisions. And this is sad because instead of learning from past experiences, we hinder our growth by refusing to act spontaneously and just be content “playing it safe”. We all need to rise above unfortunate circumstances and look at them not as “mistakes” but as opportunities to improve and do better the next time. When we learn to see things this way, we can accept all circumstances with the right attitude. When we accept mistakes as part of life, and a necessary one at that, we move on with more caution yet still trusting in our inherent ability to live life the best way we know how. After all, no one can live our life for us. It only makes sense that when it comes to our life and our happiness, we need to trust ourselves first to know what’s best. Thank you for your wonderful article.
Good day and Welcome, Joy!
You bring up a really great point. The lost of self-trust many times comes from past experiences thought to have contributed to an individual’s life changes. In order to rebuild that trust we have in ourselves, we must use our past mistakes and failures as tools to do it better the next go around.
I also loved that you included how if we don’t use those past experiences as tools we risk playing it safe… that’s the prison of the comfort zone that many people build to protect themselves from having to rebuild the trust in Self.
Great thoughts you’ve shared here, my friend. I agree with you 100%!
Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Who’s Behind You?
Our disappointments and frustrations definitely stem from our inability to trust ourselves along with our capabilities and I couldn’t agree with you more when you mentioned that we must learn to be responsible for the consequences of our actions. Thanks for this enlightening read.
Hi Kristin and Welcome!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful thoughts on the article. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. I hope to read more from you soon. Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..If You Need Somebody You Can Trust, Trust Yourself
lovely share!A few months ago, i was cheated by a couple of people i trusted. I lost sleep over it, fretted and worried and in general affected my peace of mind and health. Then, i thought: the universe is watching-what goes around-dos come around. As long as i am honest to myself, i meet people who are honest towards me. And it has worked. In fact, since this attitude, i find people complimenting me and my work, and even paying me bonuses. It is all the power of your attitude and the Law of Attraction. God bless!