Embracing Faith: Trusting Ourselves Beyond the Evidence
Welcome back, and thank you for joining me in this space!
What do you think comes first – confidence, or faith?
Often, we seek proof that something will work out before we muster the confidence to take a risk or make a commitment. We want to ensure it’s going to work out to avoid feeling hurt or disappointed. That’s understandable – it’s natural to want to feel safe, but what if we’ve got it backwards?
In a recent podcast episode, Phil Stutz said it well: “As soon as you want some proof of why you should have faith and that there’s going to be a good outcome, then it’s not faith.” When navigating a decision that involves uncertainty or risk, our ego, always trying to evade danger, wants some sort of proof that we’ll succeed. We look for statistics of past successes, testimonials of effectiveness, reassurances that our efforts won’t be in vain.
Yet, this resistance isn't solely about success. Our minds perceive uncertainty as a threat, preferring known outcomes—even if they’re negative—over unpredictable ones. Research indicates that stress levels peak when outcomes are most uncertain, at a 50/50 predictability rate. We would rather face a certain negative outcome, than have a 50% chance of that outcome! It’s no wonder we often retreat into our old patterns rather than try something new.
Stepping into the unknown is less about ensuring everything works in our favour and more about trusting ourselves to navigate whatever the outcome is. By detaching from the outcome and acting from a place of clear intention, aligned with our core values, we can cultivate faith in our 'why,' helping us release the need for certainty.
Here are a few ways to cultivate faith over proof when making decisions:
Identify Core Values: Understanding what truly matters to us helps anchor our decisions, making the outcomes less daunting.
Choose Comfort Over Numbing: Opt for activities that truly replenish your spirit, like spending time in nature, reaching out for social support, rest, meditating, and nourishing your body - rather than those that temporarily numb the discomfort, such as excessive eating, drinking and consumption.
Observe Your Thoughts: Not every thought reflects reality. Challenge the narratives that fuel uncertainty.
Embrace the Unfinished Story: Life is an ongoing journey. Early setbacks don’t dictate the final outcome, which can still unfold in wonderful, unexpected ways.
Focus Intentionally: Aim to balance your mental energy between potential risks and benefits, emphasizing the positive whenever possible.
Commit to Follow-Through: Consistently following through on commitments, even small ones, builds self-esteem and trust in one’s abilities.
Develop New Tools: If old strategies are no longer helping, consider seeking a coach, therapist, or mentor to learn new approaches that better suit your current needs.
Remember, uncertainty isn’t a barrier; it’s a gateway for growth and new opportunities. Embrace it, trusting in your ability to navigate the journey. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, I’m here to support you in embracing this dynamic, unpredictable, yet incredibly rewarding path of personal growth.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Christina
