6 Ways to Challenge Yourself and Build Self-Trust

Introduction

Trust is the invisible glue that binds people together—it fosters strong relationships and boosts emotional well-being. But while trusting others is important, have you ever stopped to ask: Do I trust myself?

Self-trust is the foundation of confidence, better decisions, and resilience in the face of life’s chaos. The great news? Just like trust with others, self-trust can be built—brick by brick.

Here are six powerful (and practical) ways to challenge yourself and strengthen that all-important relationship with you.

1. Be Authentic

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde

One of the most honest acts of self-trust is choosing authenticity over approval. Many people lose trust in themselves after harsh criticism or a misstep. The antidote? Get real with yourself. Your opinion of you matters more than anyone else's.

Resist the urge to please others by changing who you are. People sense when you're faking it—and they’re also drawn to confidence that comes from being unapologetically you. Be authentic, and watch both your self-trust and self-worth grow.

2. Set Reasonable Goals

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

Big dreams are inspiring—but if your goals feel impossible, you’ll end up feeling stuck and disappointed. Self-trust grows when you consistently show up for yourself and see progress. The key? Set smaller, achievable goals that build momentum.

Break your big goal into bite-sized victories. Each one you conquer becomes a confidence deposit in your self-trust bank.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha

Self-trust can’t survive when your inner voice is constantly tearing you down. Self-compassion is what quiets that voice and allows trust to grow.

Be kind to yourself. Mistakes aren’t proof you’re failing—they’re proof you’re learning. Encourage yourself, challenge negative thoughts, and start treating you the way you’d treat your best friend.

4. Nurture Your Strengths

“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.” — Roy T. Bennett

Focusing only on your weaknesses is like watering weeds instead of flowers. Everyone has natural strengths—things they excel at, enjoy, or are passionate about. Lean into them.

When you develop your strengths, you prove to yourself that you’re capable—and that proof builds trust. Once you've established that foundation, you're in a much better place to tackle your growth areas with grace.

5. Spend Time Alone

“In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.” — Laurence Sterne

Some people avoid being alone because silence is uncomfortable. But that discomfort often reveals something deeper—a lack of connection with themselves.

Start spending intentional time alone. Meditate. Reflect. Go for a walk without your phone. The goal is to sit with your thoughts without judgment. The more comfortable you become in your own company, the more self-trust you’ll develop.

6. Be Decisive

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Indecision is the enemy of self-trust. When you hesitate, second-guess, and delay, you’re sending yourself the message that you’re not capable. Flip the script.

Start making small decisions confidently. Over time, these moments build evidence that you can trust your own judgment—and that belief unlocks a powerful version of you.

Final Thoughts

Self-trust is the secret ingredient that fuels confidence, clarity, and inner peace. The best part? It’s not reserved for a lucky few. With a little effort, compassion, and practice, you can build it—and watch every part of your life improve as a result.

Ready to take it to the next level?

If you’re serious about building unstoppable momentum and self-belief, then it’s time to go deeper. Book your Clear & Unstoppable Session here—a 1-on-1 coaching experience to help you break through fear, get unstuck, and start trusting yourself like never before.

You’re not alone in this—and the best version of you is closer than you think.

Joe Mitchell, Esquire is a High-Performance Coach and EFT (Tapping) Practitioner, who has logged over 35 years of in-depth study of personal and spiritual development. In his studies, he has done hundreds of self-development courses, spiritual retreats, and health-related workshops. Coach Joe is a certified yoga teacher, meditation teacher, NLP Practitioner, and a graduate of three coaching academies. Two years after he graduated from Harvard Law School, he became a monk for five years. In 2016, after over 20 years as a solo criminal and personal injury attorney, he decided to turn his heart’s passion into a career as a Success Coach, Motivational Speaker and Trainer. For information on Coach Joe’s programs, high-performance videos and to apply for a Free High-Performance Session, book a Strategy Session with Coach Joe today.

Joseph MitchellMay 15, 2025

6 Ways to Challenge Yourself and Build Self-Trust

Introduction

Trust is the invisible glue that binds people together—it fosters strong relationships and boosts emotional well-being. But while trusting others is important, have you ever stopped to ask: Do I trust myself?

Self-trust is the foundation of confidence, better decisions, and resilience in the face of life’s chaos. The great news? Just like trust with others, self-trust can be built—brick by brick.

Here are six powerful (and practical) ways to challenge yourself and strengthen that all-important relationship with you.

1. Be Authentic

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde

One of the most honest acts of self-trust is choosing authenticity over approval. Many people lose trust in themselves after harsh criticism or a misstep. The antidote? Get real with yourself. Your opinion of you matters more than anyone else's.

Resist the urge to please others by changing who you are. People sense when you're faking it—and they’re also drawn to confidence that comes from being unapologetically you. Be authentic, and watch both your self-trust and self-worth grow.

2. Set Reasonable Goals

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

Big dreams are inspiring—but if your goals feel impossible, you’ll end up feeling stuck and disappointed. Self-trust grows when you consistently show up for yourself and see progress. The key? Set smaller, achievable goals that build momentum.

Break your big goal into bite-sized victories. Each one you conquer becomes a confidence deposit in your self-trust bank.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha

Self-trust can’t survive when your inner voice is constantly tearing you down. Self-compassion is what quiets that voice and allows trust to grow.

Be kind to yourself. Mistakes aren’t proof you’re failing—they’re proof you’re learning. Encourage yourself, challenge negative thoughts, and start treating you the way you’d treat your best friend.

4. Nurture Your Strengths

“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.” — Roy T. Bennett

Focusing only on your weaknesses is like watering weeds instead of flowers. Everyone has natural strengths—things they excel at, enjoy, or are passionate about. Lean into them.

When you develop your strengths, you prove to yourself that you’re capable—and that proof builds trust. Once you've established that foundation, you're in a much better place to tackle your growth areas with grace.

5. Spend Time Alone

“In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.” — Laurence Sterne

Some people avoid being alone because silence is uncomfortable. But that discomfort often reveals something deeper—a lack of connection with themselves.

Start spending intentional time alone. Meditate. Reflect. Go for a walk without your phone. The goal is to sit with your thoughts without judgment. The more comfortable you become in your own company, the more self-trust you’ll develop.

6. Be Decisive

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Indecision is the enemy of self-trust. When you hesitate, second-guess, and delay, you’re sending yourself the message that you’re not capable. Flip the script.

Start making small decisions confidently. Over time, these moments build evidence that you can trust your own judgment—and that belief unlocks a powerful version of you.

Final Thoughts

Self-trust is the secret ingredient that fuels confidence, clarity, and inner peace. The best part? It’s not reserved for a lucky few. With a little effort, compassion, and practice, you can build it—and watch every part of your life improve as a result.

Ready to take it to the next level?

If you’re serious about building unstoppable momentum and self-belief, then it’s time to go deeper. Book your Clear & Unstoppable Session here—a 1-on-1 coaching experience to help you break through fear, get unstuck, and start trusting yourself like never before.

You’re not alone in this—and the best version of you is closer than you think.