“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust, First Part
Do you trust yourself? Are you able to tune out the world and check in with yourself? It’s an art and it’s a practice. It isn’t necessarily easy.
Most of us were programmed from a young age to fall back on objective research, the opinions of experts, the knowledge of our ever-so-experienced parents, or guidance from an omnipotent god. We are never taught to look inward and ask ourselves those burning life questions.
After recognizing my growing discontent with the experts and their disastrously incorrect deductions, I began examining the alternatives. The final frontier was my own inner life – the personalized wisdom I held within. The exploration of self-trust is a daunting journey, yet it is rife with lessons and opportunities.
Your world shifts when you being to trust yourself. In taking that first step forward, however small, you are signalling to yourself and the world that you believe in yourself enough to move ahead.
The courage to lift a foot may come after deep spiritual work, or it may come from – as in my case – deep frustration with the people that were supposed to have known best.
Either way, when we take that first step, the world takes note. Doors begin opening. You shrug off old stressors. You recognize the strange inverse relationship between action and results. Things begin falling into place effortlessly. Life, all of the sudden, feels easy.
Maybe you don’t notice even notice at first. Frustration, doubt, old believes may cloud your vision temporarily. Yet, over time, the effects of your self-trust will become evident. When you choose the path that is meant for you, and you alone, the things that were never meant for you will disappear.
It’s transformative to be able to offer yourself the affirmation and validation you once sought from external sources. You may encounter detours or perplexing forks in the road, but to trust yourself is to know that you are supported, no matter what lies ahead.
Self-trust involves listening to and considering your fears, but placing the spotlight on your dreams. Self-trust is to walk on your own path, in the right direction, at whatever pace you decide, and to do so with a quiet confidence.
Our fears have the power to shackle us in place and our reliance on others for guidance can be paralyzing, but there is another way. It involves listening to your heart, trusting your own judgement, and marching to the beat of your own drum. Self-trust is to acknowledge your wisdom, whatever its source.
So, go ahead and take that first step. Muster up your courage and convictions. Trust yourself enough to pave your own path, banish the demons, and make space for joy. For, as von Goethe explains, “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”
To learn how to live – authentically, fully, and well – truly is the ultimate act of self-care.
You can find more from me on my personal blog: https://existentialergonomics.com/
The Heart of the Matter 
This is a nice inspiring post for Tuesday, Erin. I always believe the sweet spot is that balance between objective information and gut instinct. The people who really succeed and thrive are those who lean into self trust (and self belief).
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Thank you, Ab! Yes, you’re absolutely right. Objective data paired with trusting our gut seems to be a recipe for success.
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Love this topic, Erin and your take on it. Actionable, purposeful. Every bit. Especially this: “Self-trust involves listening to and considering your fears, but placing the spotlight on your dreams.” Right there we’ve got a ‘quote of the week’! xo! 🥰
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Thank you, Vicki! You certainly have a knack for finding the best little bits in others’ writing. Love it! xoxxo 🥰🥰
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I trust myself enough to take plunges no sane person ever would, ha. But I’m also seriously into second-guessing myself, which kind of balances that out.
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I like your approach, Mark! We all find what works for us, right? 😉😂
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I think two things impact trust in oneself- the need to trust yourself because it is missing in the way others look and act towards- simply put there is no one else but yourself. On the flip side there is also the selfless allowance by others to trust in you and your decisions from the start, giving you the open space to learn and grow unencumbered by doubt. In some cases there has to be a balance like Mark pointed to, but what an extraordinary feeling when you know yourself and others acknowledge it as well.
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What a keen observation, Deb. And I wholeheartedly agree – it’s truly an extraordinary feeling when you come to know yourself and have others acknowledge and trust your authentic self. Beautiful!
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Love how you talk about trust and being authentic. A message for us all. Thanks Erin!
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Thanks for reading, Brain! It’s simple, but I think it’s something we can use the reminder every now and then.
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I operate on gut instinct. It usually works out. I think you’re correct. It’s tuning out the world and trusting ourselves.
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I listen to my gut a lot as well EA, especially on those things (or even people) that just seem a bit “off”.
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Definitely on people.
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It’s incredible how informative and accurate those gut feelings can be, isn’t it? I also try to trust my gut when it’s nudging me in a particular direction, and it’s usually right.
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👍🏼
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Your beautiful post seems ripe for the same comment you offered me yesterday – empowerment, connection, and flow. Self-trust is a beautiful thing but as you said, there’s a lot of noise that makes it difficult. Thanks for encouraging us towards that end!
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I love the connection to your post, Wynne. Yes! There certainly is a lot of noise to tune out but after we experience real self-trust, even just one, it’s somehow so much easier to return that place. It’s a destination worth pursuing. 😊
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A destination worth pursuing for sure!
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Yes. I trust myself.
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Do you trust yourself? Yes
Are you able to tune out the world and check in with yourself? Easily, with joy even
Great post. Well said.
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Love it! I think it’s a skill that comes with age and experience, if we’re lucky.
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