A Key to Growth I Learned in a Hip Hop Class
NOVEMBER 4, 2024
Without self-trust, we’re attached to who we’ve been and the results we’ve already produced. But with trust, it allows us to detach from who we’ve been and gives us the capacity to grow into someone greater.
Self-Trust is the mechanism that allows us to grow.
Trust is the foundation of everything. Our perspective, our confidence, and even our success (or lack thereof) stem from one essential source first: self-trust. When we cultivate trust in ourselves, we unlock the capacity to take the next step—no matter the circumstances. It’s a necessary quality to grow, and one that I discovered in a hip hop dance class of all places.
I’ll get to that story in a moment, but first let’s look at why self-trust is so important. Self-trust is the mechanism that helps us navigate the uncomfortable realities we face today. Whether it’s AI disruption, economic uncertainty, or maybe election outcomes that aren't what we necessarily want them to be, self-trust equips us to confront and navigate these challenges. Without it, we risk being limited and becoming victims of outcomes we fail to handle powerfully.
Think about it: what would life be like if you didn’t trust yourself at all? Imagine waking up, going through your entire day, and staring into the mirror at someone you can’t rely on. It’s an unsettling thought—one I’ve experienced firsthand. And I know many of you have, too.
The truth is, self-trust isn’t built in comfort. It’s forged in moments of discomfort. For me, dancing isn’t inherently uncomfortable. I’ve tried salsa (slayed) and tango (terrific).
But then came hip hop…
Picture a middle-aged white man awkwardly shuffling to a hip hop beat. Probably looked like a mid-life crisis. I set out to be the most awkward dancer in the room – and I achieved greatness! I even earned an honorary hip hop name (don’t ask).
I was in the back of the class, attempting a shoulder pop followed by a power thrust. Don’t picture that. As awkward as that moment was, it held an important lesson.
I realized where I’d often gone wrong—placing trust in outcomes instead of in myself.
Instead of hoping for flawless results, I placed trust in my ability to show up, try, and own the experience—no matter how it turned out. The outcome is secondary.
In these tumultuous times, self-trust is our greatest asset. Embrace the discomfort, lean into the awkwardness, and trust that you have what it takes to navigate through it.
I learned that in a hip hop class.
Key Idea
Self-trust is placed in your ability to grow, not the results of your current abilities. Without self-trust, we’re attached to who we’ve been and the results we’ve already produced. But with trust, it allows us to detach from who we’ve been and gives us the capacity to grow into someone greater.
Takeaway
Self-Trust is the mechanism that allows us to grow.
Build your Movement
Where don’t you trust yourself? How can you shift that trust from the outcomes you have today, to your ability to change them tomorrow?
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