The person we should know the best is often the person we trust the least. Self-doubt can be psychologically crippling. We have the question and the answer is there in front of mind. But then doubt creeps in.
We have a tendency to ignore the obvious…that which is made obvious through circumstance and experience. That which is clear at first thought becomes clouded through contemplation. The longer we ponder, the more we can flounder.
We fear the potential of repetition of past mistakes or errors of judgement. It’s that which erodes what should be the confidence to back ourselves.
Rather than look inside ourselves for confirmation, we seek the approval of others. The error here is that counsel is quite distinct from direction. If we lack the assurance to have a conversation with our inner self then the value of talking with others cannot be overstated. But anything gleaned from discussion should then be weighed against what we have already learned. No-one has all the answers. Only we are in a position to decide what will be best for ourselves. And what is right for one person could be catastrophic for another.
Ultimately it’s about listening to our inner self because there is no escaping the reality of consequence. We are responsible for the decisions we make. We are held accountable by those around us. More than that, we hold ourselves accountable.
We are part of society but society is a collection of individuals and, as much as we are similar, we are all different.
We must learn to trust ourselves more. The first step, however, is to know ourselves better.
That takes time, confidence and honesty but the rewards can be life-changing.