Got trust?

What is trust?

For me, the dictionary definition falls short. Yes, trust is having confidence in the character, strength, or truth of someone or something. However, this does not speak to the enormous importance and value of this essential asset.

Or is trust a skill?

I think trust is both. It's a skill we earn confidence in through practice, and practicing trust cultivates the value of our trust asset. However, this all begs the question, where does trust lie?  It appears to be less a destination and more a journey.

We're all familiar with the advice to "trust the process." But how do we know if a process is trustworthy? Maybe we blindly trust, and it works out. But as inherently social creatures, we more often look for people like ourselves doing what we want to do too.

But what's trust for?

Trust is the grease and fuel for all worthwhile human endeavor. Meaningful change for the better, internal or external, is rarely done on one's own. Worthy aims are achieved through shared values and collaborative effort. The required commitment, connection, and compassion create and hold space for trust to emerge.

And not just trust in the process and each other. Trusting yourself is the real work.

How can you possibly truly trust a process or another if you first don't trust yourself? Trusting yourself is an exploration of your own worthiness. This exploration requires embracing vulnerability and engaging the volition to live out loud and in public. 

Can we trust you? The answer lies within a more beautiful question. Do you trust yourself?

Scott Perry, Difference-Maker Coach at Creative on Purpose.

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