I remember the days I used to second-guess myself. I fought so hard to trust myself and my guts.
I replay conversations in my head, worry about whether I’m making the right decision. I ask for advice from anyone, even those who I’m better than and that makes me feel even more confused. I dim my gut feelings to avoid conflict or be seen as disagreeable. But deep down, there’s a quiet voice that knows exactly what I need. How did I embrace that?
By learning to trust myself, without guilt, without over-explaining, without apology.
I realised that waiting for everyone else’s approval is just another way of staying stuck. I made the decision to trust myself and that became my turning point.
We all do this at some point in life, especially as children or young adults. We fail to be honest with ourselves and to listen to what feels real, not what just looks good to everyone else.
So to every young dreamer, trusting yourself doesn’t mean you’ll always get it perfect. It means you’re willing to bet on your own insight, your values, your principles. It means that when something doesn’t sit right, you don’t need to justify why, it’s enough that it doesn’t feel right to you.
It can be uncomfortable, especially when people don’t understand. You might disappoint someone. You might take a path others wouldn’t. But that’s okay. Trusting yourself is not about being stubborn or closed off, it’s about giving yourself permission to be guided by your own compass, even if it looks different from someone else’s map.
There’s a little voice inside, your intuition. Learning to trust it, without needing to explain or apologize for it, is one of the most important things you can do.
The truth is, your life isn’t a group project. You don’t need a committee to co-sign your choices. You’re allowed to pivot. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to stand by your decisions simply because they feel honest to you.
Trusting yourself is brave. And you don’t owe anyone an apology for being brave.
You’re still learning who you are, and that takes time. But every time you listen to your inner voice, you’re building trust in yourself. And the more you do, the stronger and more confident you’ll become.
So go ahead, believe in yourself without needing a reason that pleases everyone else. You’re allowed to trust yourself.
Trusting yourself is a strength in itself, and without it, achieving anything in life can be challenging.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
