Are there people and organizations that you give your trust without thinking about it?

I know I do, and I suppose we all do. It is hard work to vet all the people surrounding you. Is it not?

Let’s see who might be the people and organizations that you give your trust implicitly:

1. Authority Figures

Parents and Other Family Members:







As children, we looked at our family members for guidance and protection. You relied on them; you give them your trust because they ought to be the guardians of your happiness and well-being. They wouldn’t lie to you. Would they?

Most likely they’ve been truthful to you for the most part, and if they lied, they had a positive intention. However, sometimes the best intentions don’t give you a positive result.

Examples:

“Your grandparents were fat, and I’m fat. No one in our family is other than fat, and you are/will be fat too.” “You don’t have talents for mathematics so better be good at sports.” (Or the other way around) “Money bring only unhappiness and misery. If not to you, to those around you.”

Teachers:

A child will learn and develop more left to his own devices rather than being educated/influenced by a bad teacher. Unfortunately, almost all of us had one of those.

Examples:

“You have a horrible voice.” “None of your peers like you, I don’t like you, you are unlikeable.” “What do you want to be when you grow up? … Oh! That! You will never become [that]!” “One day you will be a great asset for the shoe factory… as a worker at the assembly line.”

Other authority figures (Doctors, Priests/Prices, Police Officers, etc.):

Authority figures had and still do, the power to smash your self-esteem and confidence like none other. Therefore, today I will challenge you to start doubting some of the beliefs instilled in you as a child or even as an adult by an authority figure.

These beliefs are those that are stopping you today to lead the life you dream. Take some of your trust back and allow yourself to question these beliefs.

Don’t expect to change your beliefs overnight; yet, open the door to the possibility that you can be better: you can sing, you can draw, you can go to the moon and back, you can… you can do whatever you put into, your mind and effort.

If it happens that you will not be successful with everything that you do, know that you tried.

If you discover that you can’t be the next billionaire, learn that by giving it a try and not because someone programmed you to believe that you can’t.

Continue giving your trust to your family and friends, however, include there also the trust that the authority figures for you are wrong sometimes too. Take from them what is positive; doubt and question the validity of the negative.

Perhaps you know one of those stories: “My doctor told me I will never walk again, and one year later, I did it.”

2. Your Services Suppliers

Your groceries shop wouldn’t sell you a salmonella or E-coli baby to raise in your intestines. Would they?

Most probably they wouldn’t, however, did you ever consider that before I’ve mentioned it? Or did you give your trust implicitly?

I’m not suggesting to become obsessed and untrusty; what I’m suggesting is to pay attention. When something looks bad, probably is bad. Or if something looks too beautiful to be believed, probably you should take some of your trust back and start doubting and question how good that something, really is for you.

3. Internet Advice vs. Professional Advice

We tend to believe and trust more the written word than the spoken word, a recorded statement than one with no means to prove it was said, people that seem to be like you than whoever else.

The internet ticks all the boxes: it is written, recorded and full of people just like you ready to share knowledge, wisdom, and advice.

Yes, the internet is a fantastic place; full of interesting, valid, helpful things; even the professionals are now on the web providing you with knowledge and insights.

Everything is good so far, however, take some of your trust back when you are presented with the experiment of one to solve a serious problem you might have and ask a professional for help. Use your common sense. Not everything that is written down or recorded is true. And even is if true (the experiment of one) doesn’t mean it is true for you too.

4. Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine

Are giving your implicit trust to a chamomile pill or the chamomile tea?

Most likely, you will tend to go for the tablet assuming, without questioning, that those who invented the pill put a lot of research and knowledge into developing that medicine to be more efficient than a cup of tea. Right?

Would you trust implicitly a pill that promises you a cure rather than following an alimentary regimen that could have the same result?

Trusting implicitly certain people and things saves you a lot of time, energy, and money. Plus, offering your trust makes you a bit naive which in turn is opening many doors for you.

Take as an example: naive people have a higher level of understanding, compassion, and empathy for others because they don’t judge. They are taking and accept people as they are.

However, when your gut feeling tells you to take some of your trust back, do it: listen, pay attention, question, doubt, use your common sense. Even if you are proven to be wrong in being distrustful, it is your mistake to make; you are entitled to it.