Learning to trust you: 6 steps to boosting better confidence

Many people will give a quick, emphatic yes to the above question, but on deeper reflection, there is an aura of uncertainty regarding the question of self-trust. According to PsychologyToday, over 80% of the global populace suffer or have suffered low self-esteem at some point, implying that many people still struggle with self-trust.

A lack of self-trust can take several forms. For one person, It could be the need for public approval and validation; for another, it may be a lack of confidence in their abilities to deliver jobs, yet for some, it is the belief that they are not beautiful or intelligent enough and hence do not deserve certain opportunities.

This attitude of not trusting yourself is not natural; it is often precipitated by a past event that compromised your confidence. Maybe a career mistake or a demeaning utterance by colleagues, acquaintances, or family. Learning to trust yourself is essential to personal growth and development. Trust allows you to make decisions confidently, stand up for your beliefs, and pursue your goals with conviction.

So enough of the self-doubt. Workee experts will share tips to teach you to trust yourself in this guide. But first, let’s deal with the issues.

5 reasons you may struggle to trust yourself

Many of us struggle with self-trust, which can negatively impact our mental and emotional well-being. Here are some reasons why we may find it challenging to trust ourselves:

1. Past experiences and failures

Sometimes, past experiences of failure or disappointment can make us doubt ourselves. Maybe we made a mistake in the past that had serious consequences, or we trusted someone who let us down. These experiences can erode our confidence and make us second-guess ourselves in the future.

2. Fear of making mistakes

Another reason we may lack self-trust is fear of making mistakes. We worry that if we trust ourselves and make a wrong decision, we'll regret it later. This fear can paralyze us from taking action or making important choices.

3. External influences

We live in a world that bombards us with messages about what we should look like, how we should act, and what we should value. These external influences can make it challenging to trust our instincts and beliefs. We may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations or to please others, even if it goes against our values or desires.

4. Validation from people

People who rely heavily on external validation, such as praise or approval from others, may struggle with self-trust. If you're always seeking the approval of others, you may not trust yourself to make decisions independently.

5. Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem is another common reason for lack of self-trust. When we don't feel good about ourselves, it's hard to believe we have anything valuable to offer. We may doubt our abilities, question our decisions, and rely on others to choose us.

6 Strategies to develop your self-trust and self-confidence

Trusting yourself is essential for enhancing confidence and developing good personal esteem. When you trust your decisions and instincts, you are more likely to make choices that align with your values and beliefs, leading to greater self-worth. This, in turn, can help you feel more secure and empowered in your relationships and interactions with others. Here are some important strategies that can help you build your self-trust.

1. Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses

Being conscious of your strengths and flaws is the first step in learning to trust yourself. Spend some time thinking back on your previous accomplishments and successes, as well as your mistakes and disappointments. This will help you gain a better understanding of your abilities and limitations. Instead of focusing solely on your flaws, identify what you are good at and take pride in them. Celebrating your strengths can boost your confidence and give you a more positive outlook.

2. Build slowly and steadily

Starting small and progressively building up is one efficient technique to develop self-confidence. Make attainable objectives for yourself and stick to them. You'll boost your trust and confidence with each successful attempt. Your confidence and self-esteem may significantly improve as a result over time.

3. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn

Everyone makes mistakes occasionally because nobody is flawless. However, you mustn’t dwell on your mistakes; rather, take action and learn from them. You will acquire new knowledge and skills by doing so. Also, you will become more resilient and self-assured by learning from your failures.

When you encounter failure or setbacks, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. By viewing failures as lessons rather than reflections of your worth, you'll be better equipped for the future.

4. Challenge negative self-talk

Negative self-talk can be a significant barrier to building self-trust. When we constantly criticize and doubt ourselves, it's challenging to feel confident and empowered. Therefore, it's crucial to challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations. This can be as simple as telling yourself you're capable, strong, and resilient.

5. Practice self-compassion

Lastly, practicing self-compassion can be a powerful way to build trust in yourself. We create a safe and supportive environment that fosters growth and development by treating ourselves with kindness and understanding. Remember, self-trust is built on a foundation of self-love and acceptance.

6. Surround yourself with positive influences

Surrounding yourself with positive influences can also help you gain an enhanced positive image and trust. Spend time with acquaintances who support and encourage you, and try to limit your exposure to negative influences.

Importance of learning to trust yourself

Here is why developing your self-trust is non-negotiable;

• Self-trust fosters resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. It's a critical skill because life isn’t always rosy, and getting discouraged or overwhelmed is easy when things don't go as planned.

• Self-trust enhances decision-making: Decision-making is a crucial aspect of life. Every day, we make countless decisions that impact our lives and the lives of those around us. When you have self-trust, you're more likely to make decisions that align with your values and goals.

• Self-trust strengthens relationships: Trust is a vital component of any healthy relationship. When you trust yourself, you'll find it easier to trust others, which can help to build stronger connections and deeper relationships.

• Self-trust boosts self-esteem: Self-esteem is how we view ourselves and our worth. When you have self-trust, you have a positive view of yourself and your abilities. You're not overly critical or harsh with yourself because you know you can handle whatever life throws your way.

• Self-trust encourages growth: Growth is a natural part of life and essential for personal development and fulfillment. When you have self-trust, you're more likely to take risks and try new things because you believe in yourself and your abilities.

Take away

It's crucial to understand why trust is so essential. Self-trust is the foundation of healthy self-esteem and personal confidence. We feel more capable and empowered to tackle challenges and pursue our goals when we believe in ourselves. Conversely, when we lack self-trust, we can feel insecure, anxious, and unsure of ourselves. Be intentional about developing self-trust and building healthy self-esteem; your life depends on it.