I remember getting in trouble at school and my mom giving me the opportunity to explain the situation.

Then she said something that stuck with me through the years.

After love, I’d argue that trust is the foundation of any relationship.

Maybe even more important.

Let’s be honest.

Would you rather have everyone’s love and no trust, or their trust and no love?

Maybe the answer depends on who you’re asking.

If you chose the first option, you should know you’ll never be loved by everyone anyways.

On the flip side, if someone trusts you, the relationship will stand the test of time…it’ll continue to work.

So, how do we build trust?

We can start with being consistent.

Trust = Consistency + Time

Consistency does not mean everyday.

Say it with me.

CONSISTENCY DOES NOT MEAN EVERYDAY.

It’s when you promise yourself, your audience, a friend, or family member that you’ll show up.

It’s when and how you promise to show up.

You know that every Friday, you’ll receive this newsletter.

That’s consistency.

After 12 weeks of consistently receiving this newsletter every Friday, over time you’ll have developed trust that I’ll show up.

Trust compounds.

Do it right the first time

Once trust is gone, it’s 10x harder to get back.

The bigger problem is that once trust is tarnished, even after it’s been built back up, it’ll never be what it was.

Let that sink in. It will never be the same.

This very reason is why we must take care of, and nurture the trust we share with our friends, family, and community.

Trust translates to confidence

Without trusting someone the relationship will never reach full potential.

Similar to how without confidence in yourself, you’ll never reach your full potential.