The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

July 17Exceptional Trust

We learn of our contemporaries what they know, without effort, and almost through the pores of the skin … But we stop where they stop. Very hardly can we take another step. The great, or such as hold of nature, and transcend fashions, by their fidelity to universal ideas, are saviors from these federal errors, and defend us from our contemporaries. They are the exceptions which we want, where all grows alike.

Ralph Waldo Emerson—Uses of Great Men (1849)

Do our friends hold us back? Maybe, at times. Sometimes unknowingly and sometimes out of fear, they cling tightly and push aside any thought that might cast them as being left behind by us. And of course, our family members are our first and most ferocious contemporaries.

In your journey toward self-reliance, you will not leave anyone or anything behind, you will not adopt narcissistic pursuits, you will develop ruthless self-trust. You will come to believe that you and, likely you alone, know what's best for you.

If those around you have not developed or even considered trusting themselves at this level, you will experience their doubt and fear as part of your journey. Don't stop where they stop.

You can experience their support and love as well, but if someone wants only what's best for you they won't hold you back; they will push you, lift you up, trust you. Sure, they'll also tell you when you have food in your teeth and when they see you self-destructing, but often they'll bring you new and even ...