TRUST

It is popular amongst successful entrepreneurs to talk about certain intangibles that make for good business. Intangibles such as leadership, innovation, persistence and follow- through. I say this, because I too speak of these things, both passionately and often. Their importance goes without questioning. Each cannot be given, and consequently must be earned. Each is intrinsically valuable in and of itself, and may stand as a singular example of character.

However, in my opinion, a single gift endures beyond each of these items. It endures because, in my opinion, it’s the single most valuable gift human beings can share, and could stand as it most rare. That gift is Trust.

Trust is a rare bird in an age where celebration of “the self” is most prevalent. Constantly we are pitched, marketed and sold things thought to appease our own wares. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with this. We all deserve to live a life free from suffering. However, I think most would agree that it is more than possible, and more enjoyable, for the comforts we enjoy to exist for mutual benefit.

We can give someone a dollar, but it soon will be spent and migrate to the pocket of another. We can give flowers, but they too will one day wilt. We can give presents, compliments, advice and embrace one another in moments of despair. But to give another the gift of your trust is a commodity for which no darkness, time passed, or circumstance can ever wither. Trust allows us to walk taller, to face our troubles without fear and to triumph in the hour of greatest uncertainty.

Trust requires great bravery, to be vulnerable and humble. Trust is the first step to love. Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It is well known, and spoken of, that time is precious, but I believe trust is more precious than time.

Let us be reminded, the greatest of us to be given is always from within. Remember these things, for it will never be Yesterday.