Sage Advice From Dr. Singh
EXPECT THE BEST OR EXPECT THE WORST
BY DR. RAVINDAR SINGH, Founder of Beverly Hills Headache Institute
Recently, my team and I found ourselves assessing the quality of service provided by a vendor who services us. During the evaluation process, I noticed two distinct approaches emerging.
1. Some team members evaluated the vendor's work with suspicion and assumed the vendor might try to take advantage of us. These members suggested our team take measures to protect ourselves. This approach assumed the vendor’s guilt without evidence and placed the burden of proving innocence on the vendor. It was the approach that suggested that we should anticipate potential deceit from the vendor and actively search for evidence of wrongdoing.
2. Then there were those on our team who believed in evaluating the vendor's services based on their capabilities without preconceived notions of wrongdoing.
In the intricate dance of human interactions, the choice between trust and distrust serves as a guiding principle that shapes our relationships and experiences. This basic premise determines how we interact with people: do we expect the best from others or do we expect the worst? Our choice of how we think towards others determines how we do anything. This is our approach to life. This basic difference reflects the broader philosophical perspectives about how people behave; what is right and wrong, and the social dynamics of how we interact with each other.
THE FEAR-BASED PERSPECTIVE:
DISTRUST AND SUSPICION
At the core of the fear-based perspective lies a pervasive sense of skepticism and suspicion towards others. Those of us who subscribe to this mindset approach interactions with a guarded demeanor, viewing every encounter as a potential threat or opportunity for exploitation. They believe that peoples’ “morality” is based on opportunity.
They think everyone is out to get them. This makes it difficult to build real friendships because they are always doubting the intentions of others.
THE TRUST-BASED APPROACH:
CULTIVATING AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS
In contrast, the trust-based approach embraces the belief that individuals are inherently capable of goodness and motivated by a desire for genuine connection and mutual support. Those who adopt this perspective approach interactions with an open heart and mind, choosing to extend trust and goodwill to others until proven otherwise. They choose to trust people until they have a reason not to.
Trusting people makes it easier to connect on a deeper level. When you trust someone, you can be yourself without worrying about being judged. This creates a positive atmosphere where people feel safe and supported. Individuals who operate from a place of trust are more likely to experience authentic connections and meaningful relationships, characterized by mutual respect, empathy, and collaboration.
CHOOSING THE PATH FORWARD:
EMBRACING TRUST AND CONNECTION
In navigating the complexities of human interactions, we must strike a delicate balance between prudence and optimism, between being cautious and trusting others. While it is important to protect oneself from potential harm and exercise discernment in relationships, it is equally important to cultivate a culture of trust and authenticity that fosters genuine connection and mutual support.
This begins with a commitment to leading by example, extending trust and kindness to others, and cultivating empathy and understanding in all interactions. We can start by being trustworthy ourselves. By keeping our promises and treating others with kindness, we show that we are someone worth trusting. Even when others let us down, it is important to hold onto our belief in the goodness of people. This mindset helps us build stronger relationships and make the world a better place.
In end, how we see others shapes our relationships and experiences. By choosing to trust others, we create a more positive and supportive world for everyone.
Until next time.
Be enlightened.