'T' IS FOR TRUST

This week's blog post is the fifth in a series, and we are spelling out the word ATTITUDE. Starting with the letter 'A' is for AMBITION, we added a 'T' for TEAMWORK and another 'T' for TENACITY, followed by the letter 'I' which stands for IMPROVEMENT. Today we'll discuss the third 'T' which stands for TRUST. Don't forget to check back next week to see what the 'U' in ATTITUDE represents.

Trust: reliance, confidence in, and reliance on good qualities,

especially fairness, truth, honor, or ability

Growing up, I regret I was not always a very trustworthy person. As a teenager, I once got caught stealing some fishing lures from a bait shop, and tried to lie my way out of it. This was not only very embarrassing, it was a turning point in my life. It turned out that the bait shop belonged to the Chief of Police, who did not prosecute me, but did chew me out–but good–emphasizing that if I didn't want to grow up to be a criminal, and if I wanted people to trust me, I had better change my ways. Looking back, getting caught was the best thing that ever could have happened to me, and I have always tried to take this man's wisdom to heart. I learned to realize how important it is to be trusted by others.

Of course, stealing is not the only way one can lose trust. A person can become labeled as being untrustworthy by lying, not playing fair in their dealings with others, disrespecting others, being lazy in their work habits, or not following through with what they say they are going to do.

Being trustworthy is a powerful quality that must be at the foundation of our character if we are to really succeed in life. We must work to be building trust with each person we come into contact with. I know that in my own life I desire nothing more than for people to trust my words 100%. Frankly, because I speak and write so many words each week, I treat this area of my life with great respect. I want people to count on me–to trust me.

I want people to be confident in me and my actions, and see that they line up with what I say. I have been building this character quality into my life since my teen years when I first discovered the hard way, how vital truth and trust is in life and business. Yes, I have been knocked down several times by the "teachers" at the SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS. But as they say, no pain, no gain.

Do you recognize the need in your life to build more trust in your dealing with others? A good place to start is by adopting the strategy of insisting that you will be honest in all of your communications and dealings with others. After all, Your Word is Your Bond. When you tell somebody you are going to do something, you had better do it.

Is being trustworthy simple? No. Is this hard? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. There is no room for excuses like, I forgot or I got busy or I changed my mind. Be careful what you say to people; be careful how you act. Sometimes we speak and act before thinking things through. Remember, there are consequences to our actions.