Monday Mindset
The Power of Reliability
Welcome to your Monday Mindset! This week’s intention is all about:
The Power of Reliability and how it can deepen your self trust.
“Reliability is the precondition for trust.”
Wolfgang Schauble
When you read the word reliable, what comes to mind? Is it a person? A pet? Maybe it’s something else entirely that you know will be there when you need it. Pay attention to how you feel toward whatever came up for you.
Keeping it in mind, let’s dig in a bit to what reliability looks like in terms of people.
A reliable person can be trusted.
They:
follow through on their commitments, and don’t have to be pestered into doing so
show up when they say they will
do what they promise to do
are a person of their word
Chances are we all know someone who falls into this category. Though they are not perfect, they are trustworthy. We don’t have to question their follow through. It does wonders for our relationships when the expectations are clear and the people, reliable.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who can’t be counted on. We probably all can think of a specific person that, though we care for them, fails to follow through on their word. They talk a big talk, but when it comes to walking it out, they come up short.
So, how does this apply to our relationship to self? Follow through is as important for building trust in our own systems as it is with others.
We already know that trust takes time to build. We know it won’t happen perfectly, either. Over time, we can strengthen our inner connection by following through on the commitments we make to ourselves. It sounds simple because it is.
Think about it. When was the last time you promised yourself something? (I’m going to go to the gym this week, or I’m going to drink my coffee in quiet instead of scrolling on my phone.) When you follow through, how does that feel in your body? When you don’t, do you struggle with guilt?
There is so much grace to take each day as it comes. We can’t anticipate every bump in the road or each distraction that comes our way. We need to be compassionate with ourselves, just as we would our loved ones.
Reliability doesn’t mean fast answers. It doesn’t mean flawless execution, either. It is a character trait of dependability. Start where you are and keep one promise at a time.
Be careful not to over-promise, and don’t get ahead of yourself. Know what is doable, and commit to that. As you follow through on the little things, you strengthen your bridge of trust brick by brick.
Today, give yourself the permission to do this work imperfectly. Meet yourself just as you are with kindness, and make a small commitment you can follow through on this week.
Take a moment to check in with where you’re at today – what feelings, sensations, or thoughts emerge? What do they tell you about what you need?
[If you have trouble making that jump, ask a series of “why” until you get to it. (For instance, I’m noticing tension in my head. Why? I didn’t drink enough water today. Why? I didn’t prioritize it.) Keep going until you recognize the underlying need.]
Keep a promise to yourself. Remember to keep it doable. It could be linked to the need you uncovered, but it doesn’t have to be.
[Hint: this is a permissive space – it does not have to be serious or big. It can be as simple as taking a nap, doing five minutes of meditation, calling a friend, eating a nourishing meal, making a doctor’s appointment, reading for you – literally anything! The important piece is that it is something YOU want and/or need.]
Every small commitment honored is another stepping stone in your self trust journey. You’ve totally got this. We’ve got this. Together separately, doing this transformational work.
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