Why You Must Believe in Others to Succeed

A couple fantastic things have happened in my life recently. What they are isn’t important. How they happened is. Almost every one of them was a product of someone else believing in me. Very humbling experiences. Let me explain.

For most of us, things don’t “just happen” because we are “lucky.” Usually it’s the result of a series of events or a series of people.

Think back on your greatest accomplishments. Now, name at least 5 people who helped you get there. Did you deserve their belief in you? Perhaps you did. Oftentimes, though, you’ll recall someone or multiple people who took a risk on your behalf.

If I’m honest, much of my life is composed of a string of generous people. People who for one reason or another chose to believe in me. To give me a chance. Here’s why you must believe in others to succeed:

1) People Believed in You

Chances are you aren’t perfect. I’m not either.

None of us can say we “deserve” for others to believe in us. You should believe in others because in all reality, you never were perfect and others believed in you.

2) Relational Generosity Means the World to Others

Who do you know that you could introduce your struggling friend to? What about that family member who just got laid off?

I’m a firm believer that very few people leverage the full potential of their network. Introductions and connections open doors for others but more importantly show them that you believe in them.

Very few people leverage the full potential of their network. Click To Tweet

3)  You Can’t Do “Everything” Better Than Everyone Else

Contrary to popular belief, the mantra “if you need something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself” isn’t always wise. What does this belief say about yourself? Each of us is good at something, but none of us are good at everything. Trusting others might just make you more productive and empower them at the same time.

Each of us is good at something, but none of us are good at everything. Click To Tweet

4) It Allows You To Focus on Your Strengths

The average person wastes too much time on their weaknesses. I recommend using a tool such as Strengths Finder 2.0 to understand your strengths. Next, ask yourself, “If it’s outside my strengths, who can I hand it off to so that I can focus on my strengths and show them I believe in them?”

5) People Won’t Believe in You Otherwise

If you believe in others, they’ll likely return the favor. When someone else trusted you or showed belief in you, were you more or less likely to trust or believe in them? Likely more.

Pride and fear lie at the root of why many people don’t believe in others. They believe the lie that they can do everything better or that no one is trustworthy. They live in fear that their reputation might be damaged, another person might make a mistake, or that it simply won’t get done.

Pride and fear lie at the root of why many people don't believe in others. Click To Tweet

What steps are you taking to let go of your pride and fear? Who do you need to believe in, to give a chance to, or to entrust responsibility to?