The Mirror Test: Are We Earning Trust?

Friends,

One of my favorite lyrics from a Taylor Swift’s song comes from Anti-Hero and it goes like this:

"I stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror…"

It’s a subtle yet powerful line that resonates with how many of us approach self-reflection—or avoid it. Isn’t that our default? To shy away from looking in the mirror? Self-examination can be uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable.

But what if we find the courage to look closely? What questions do we ask ourselves? How do we even begin to examine who we are?

For some, if the goal is power, the question might be straightforward: Did I get ahead of others today?

But if what we care about most is being a good person—more than becoming powerful—the questions become different. Perhaps we ask: Did I earn the trust of others today? Who? How?

In my view, trust is the natural outcome of goodness. If we strive to be good people, trustworthiness follows. That’s why it matters; if we’re doing good, trust is exactly what we should expect to build over time.

This idea of facing the mirror and examining our trustworthiness is at the heart of this week’s podcast episode, titled “What to Ask the Mirror.” I hope you’ll join me in exploring this practice.

Here’s to living an examined life.

With love from Detroit,
Neil

P.S. If you’re a U.S. citizen, make a plan to vote this week. It’s so important.