Hey,
How’s it going? Hope 2021 has been forgiving?
Currently taking a break from my crushing workload to talk a little about trust.
BET ON YOURSELF
When we are told to bet on ourselves, it feels doable and empowering. But the thing with bets is that it’s wisest to bet on variables that are reliable. But are we reliable?
There are instances where I have acted out of character; dropping out of school despite being a bright student, quitting a job I loved and had no issues with.
And not just me. I have watched people fail themselves in situations they otherwise would excel in. I have seen people shift positions, perspectives, or even do a 180 because the situation was atypical of what they are used to.
These experiences taught me that as much as we try to be, humans are unreliable. Life made us that way.
I am not going to have a definite reaction to the infinite possibilities a situation can assume. And if I cannot trust myself to be consistent with my reactions, outputs, strategies, then am I really reliable?
If I cannot trust myself to do what is needed, even if it means doing nothing, is it then really wise to bet on myself?
Short Answer: YES!
I think; therefore I am (Cogito, ergo sum) - René Descartes.
We have all experienced moments of existential doubt. You know… those “what am I doing here?”, “Is anything of this even real?” moments.
The bad news is that there is no way of proving anything outside of our existence. Our senses deceive us all the time. We keep uncovering truths about the ideas and beliefs we subscribe to. Our understanding even is at risk of misguidance.
Well, the good news is that these questions arrive at the height of your consciousness. That you are not just aware of your existence; you affirm that your existence is the only thing you can be sure of. Everything outside of that is a maybe at best.
If we can’t be sure of anything outside our existence, how can we then bet on other people/things? How can we certainly confirm that their intentions are genuine? How do we know what they think? How are we even sure of their existence?
You might not be consistent in your belief, actions, or even identity, but you are the surest and the most reliable thing to you, more than any fact, conviction, or truth.
Besides, your first responsibility is to yourself. If you do not make yourself a priority, no one will.
"If you do not make yourself a priority, no one will." - wise words!