In an era of constant information overload, where opinions and advice are just a click away, it can be easy to doubt one’s own judgment and defer to others for guidance. From social media influencers to experts in every imaginable field, there’s no shortage of people willing to tell you how to live, work, and make decisions. While seeking help or advice can be beneficial, especially when navigating unfamiliar territory, there are strong reasons why people should place more trust in their own judgment. Doing so is essential for personal growth, confidence, and the development of critical thinking skills. In fact, relying too heavily on others can weaken one's ability to make autonomous decisions, resulting in dependency and self-doubt.
I know. It happened to me.
I put my trust in those who I thought had my back, and I was wrong. In a history of very successful businesses and being part of broadcast networks and platforms with very dedicated people in the mix, I allowed myself to be swayed by doubt and overly-cautious nature when bold moves were called for.
Why? Good question. I can ask myself many times over and come up with numerous answers. So I’ve stopped asking that question. come to the realization I made a mistake, one that I will never make again.
I failed to trust in myself, first and foremost. I “hitched”, if you will.
And I re-learned that valuable lesson.
The Power of Self-Trust
Trusting your own judgment fosters self-confidence and empowerment. When you make decisions for yourself—whether big or small—you affirm your ability to navigate the world effectively. The act of decision-making becomes a form of self-validation, reinforcing the idea that you are capable of solving problems and making choices that align with your values and goals. Over time, this builds a strong foundation of confidence, leading to greater resilience in the face of challenges.
Self-trust is particularly crucial in a world where external influences are often driven by personal agendas or biases. The opinions and advice we receive are typically shaped by the experiences, preferences, and values of the person giving them, not necessarily what’s best for us.
That is what happened in my case.
Trusting your own judgment allows you to filter advice through your unique perspective and prioritize your values. What might work for someone else may not work for you, and only you are fully aware of your needs, desires, and long-term goals.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
By relying on your own judgment, you also sharpen your critical thinking abilities. In a world saturated with competing narratives, half-truths, and misinformation, the ability to critically assess information is more valuable than ever. When you rely on your own judgment, you are forced to evaluate facts, weigh options, and consider potential consequences, all of which hone your problem-solving skills. This helps you develop a deeper understanding of how to assess situations from multiple angles, rather than accepting someone else’s opinion at face value.
Never accept at face value the opinion you receive from anyone. Even if you trust them explicitly and there is no reason they would ever mislead you, they are human and make mistakes. Those opinions are tinged with their own experiences, and they may not align with yours and your goal.
They could be incredibly wrong for you.
Moreover, making your own decisions helps you build emotional intelligence. When you trust your judgment, you learn to balance logic with intuition, understanding that not every decision will have a clear right or wrong answer. Sometimes, you will have to weigh competing priorities or choose a path based on incomplete information. These experiences help you cultivate emotional resilience, learning to live with uncertainty and move forward even when outcomes are unpredictable.
The Dangers of Over-Reliance on Others
Relying too heavily on others for advice or decision-making can lead to dependency and self-doubt. When you constantly defer to others, you weaken your own problem-solving abilities and reduce your confidence in making choices. This can create a vicious cycle in which you become increasingly reliant on external validation, unable to move forward without the approval or guidance of someone else. Over time, this undermines your independence, leaving you vulnerable to manipulation or undue influence.
Additionally, external advice often comes with biases and limitations. The person offering help may have their own motivations, which may not align with your best interests. Even well-meaning advice can be based on outdated assumptions or limited experiences that do not fully apply to your unique situation. Relying on others’ opinions without critical reflection can lead to poor choices or missed opportunities because those decisions are not tailored to your personal circumstances.
There is also a risk of losing touch with your authentic self when you prioritize the opinions of others. Every time you seek external approval or advice, you may be ignoring your own instincts or desires. This disconnect from your true self can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or regret, particularly when decisions don’t pan out as expected. In contrast, trusting your own judgment—even if mistakes are made—ensures that your decisions are aligned with who you are and what you truly want.
Trust in yourself makes it easier to see clear the outcome, whether positive or negative. You made the call and nailed it, moving on to the next issue. You made the call and tanked it, certain it won’t happen again and you will learn from it.
Either way, you win.
Learning Through Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also powerful teachers. One of the key benefits of trusting your own judgment is that it allows you to learn from your own experiences. Every mistake offers a lesson, and by making your own choices, you gain insights that would be impossible to learn through someone else’s experiences. These lessons build wisdom and resilience, making you better equipped to handle future challenges. Relying on others for decision-making can deprive you of these valuable learning opportunities.
Moreover, making mistakes teaches accountability. When you trust your own judgment and make decisions independently, you learn to take responsibility for both successes and failures. This sense of accountability reinforces self-reliance and maturity, further strengthening your ability to navigate future decisions with confidence.
Conclusion: The Importance of Trusting Yourself
In a world filled with opinions and advice, trusting your own judgment is an essential life skill. It fosters confidence, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence while helping you stay connected to your authentic self. While seeking advice from others can be helpful, it should not replace the process of independent decision-making.
By learning to trust yourself, you build resilience, wisdom, and a sense of autonomy that will serve you well throughout life.
I’ll always ask for advice from those I trust. That’s the mark of someone always willing to learn. In this case, learn I certainly did.
So will you.
Ed Berliner delivers powerful leadership and business-oriented messages to events, meetings, conventions and educational appearances at every level of business. Read more of his business opinions and ideas at the email newsletter "The Business Beagle", and then contact him from this site to book him for a live appearance on-site or via his virtual studio.
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