Why I Trust You

By Walt F.J. Goodridge

Special to the Saipan Tribune
Originally published: Wednesday, August 29, 2007


The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!

I recently recruited a new business associate to oversee several sensitive aspects of my company. I asked for no resume or referrals, but simply acted on a feeling I got upon meeting her at a workshop. Within 48 hours of her signing on, I had shared with her details of my business and personal life that apparently surprised her. She called today, to ask a simple question: "Why do you trust me?" she asked. "I’ve been with the company less than 48 hours officially, and already I know things about your operations and you personally, that indicate a deep level of trust. So, I ask, why do you trust me?"

The question was a fair one. So, I gave it some thought. These are some of the answers I gave her on the phone, which I’ll now share with you.

Why Do I Trust You?

I trust you because with me, trust is a given. It’s not something you have to earn, necessarily. It’s something that we start off with, and you either keep it or lose it as time goes by. You either confirm the soundness of my decision, or you reveal that I made a mistake.

I trust you because trust is the basis of you meeting the expectations of our agreement and interaction. I trust you, therefore, because I want you to succeed, and my trust is what you need in order for you to do your job.

I trust you with and share the intimacies and secrets of my world because you cannot harm me. As a spiritual being, no one can harm me in any way that really matters. I am not my user id and password. I am not my credit rating. I am not my bank account. I am not the image and impression you may have of me once you know these things. I trust you, therefore, because I am fearless.

I trust you because it’s efficient. I trust you because if I am wrong in giving you my trust, there really is nothing that I’ve lost except a little time. If I am right, however, we hit the ground running and conquer the world starting from day one. Whereas, if I wait for something you do to earn the trust, we may wait and waste days or weeks that might have been spent productively producing results.

I trust you because trust is a function of a vibe that I respond to. If I felt I could not trust you, I would not trust you. You need prove nothing, but simply continue to be who you are.

In other words, I trust you because trust is a function of character, and your character is what it is from the day I meet you. It’s not a gift I give you for something you do tomorrow, but a given YOU come with based on who are today.

My trust you’ll never earn, my friend by what you do and say

My trust is like a gift you’ll keep or lose along the way

My trust is automatic yes, I’ll trust you at first sight

I trust you first and what you do will prove me wrong or right

My trust is what you need to do your best, so why indeed would I withhold the very thing you need most to succeed?

For trust is not a prize you win from points that you accrue

No trust derives from what’s inside and THAT’S why I trust you!



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Until next time, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!-Walt



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