TRUST OR DOUBT?
Have you ever chosen to trust someone when they doubted themselves?
"When we trust someone, we are not just believing in their ability but in their potential to rise above their struggles."
– Unknown
It’s not easy, is it? Trusting someone when they can’t trust themselves requires us to face our own doubts at the same time. Have you ever noticed how tempting it can be to step back when someone is wrestling with self-doubt or insecurity? It’s easier to let them figure it out on their own, but choosing to lean in, to trust them through it, can be transformative for both of you.
Let me take this a step further...
When someone is caught in doubt, that’s when they need trust the most. In those vulnerable moments, they might worry that they are going to:
- Fall short of expectations (theirs or yours).
- Disappoint the people who believe in them.
- Fail at proving they are worthy of the trust they crave.
This doubt often leads people to withdraw—pushing away the very people who care the most about them. They hide, they isolate, and they convince themselves that protecting others from their perceived failures is the right thing to do.
How do I know this? Because I’ve done it. And in those moments, the best people in my life trusted me even when I couldn’t trust myself.
What Does Trust Look Like?
The people who mean the most to me have held that trust for me when I doubted myself the most:
- When I hesitated to take a leap, they reminded me I was ready.
- When I felt inadequate, they saw the potential in me.
- When I pushed them away, they stayed close.
Without using words, their actions told me:
"I trust you. I believe in you. I will hold this trust for you until you can hold it for yourself."
That trust didn’t just change how I saw myself—it gave me the strength to step forward when I felt frozen by doubt.
Why Trust Matters
Trusting someone past their doubt is an act of courage. It’s not passive or blind; it’s intentional. It requires seeing their potential, not just their fear, and holding space for them to rise. And here’s the thing: it’s a two-way street.
When we trust others in this way, we also face our own insecurities. What if they fail? What if they let us down? Trusting someone through doubt challenges us to let go of control and believe in the process of growth—for both of us.
This type of trust has been given to me, and it’s what allows me to give it in return.
The Space I Hold for My Clients
As a Life Transition Coach, this is the kind of trust I aim to bring to every session. I trust my clients to navigate their journey, even when they’re unsure of their own path. I remind them of who they are, hold space for their growth, and guide them as they move forward.
And here’s a secret: my clients grow me as much as I grow them. Together, we create a space where trust and growth flow both ways.
How Can You Build Trust in Your Relationships?
Ask yourself:
- How can I trust others when they doubt themselves?
- How can I hold space for someone’s potential, even when they can’t see it?
Whether it’s your coworkers, friends, or family, practicing this kind of trust can transform your relationships.
It’s a process, but it’s worth it.
If you’re ready to learn how to trust yourself and others more fully, schedule a Free Connection Call today. Let’s take the first step together.