Earning Trust/Daily Practice Earning Trust Checklist

Trust requires both intent and ability.

Here’s a daily practice “Earning Trust” checklist, drawn from the guidance on the Earning Trust page at Wikiversity. It’s organized into daily habits, reflections, and affirmations to help you actively cultivate trustworthiness in your interactions.

Core Trustworthy Behaviors

The following actions are central to earning and maintaining trust, as described in the Trustworthy Behaviors section:

• Express yourself authentically: Speak with honesty, clarity, accuracy, and intellectual integrity.
• Honor confidentiality: Never betray a confidence.
• Clarify expectations: Understand what's being discussed, define expectations, anticipate risks and dependencies.
• Avoid overcommitment: Don’t promise more than you can deliver; be upfront about uncertainties and limitations.
• Make and keep promises: Follow through consistently; exceed expectations when possible.
• Be predictable and transparent: Act in ways others can anticipate; avoid surprises; share your true intentions.
• Provide early alerts: Inform others promptly about obstacles, challenges, or shifts in circumstances.
• Manage risk proactively: Have contingency plans and anticipate issues.
• Work transparently: Keep others informed; involve them in important decisions; disclose conflicts or hidden agendas.
• Use dialogue for problem-solving: Communicate openly to address unexpected issues collaboratively.
• Take responsibility: Own your actions and outcomes; apologize sincerely when you’ve caused harm.

Daily “Earning Trust” Checklist

Time of Day	Practice
Morning	• Reflect on your intention to be trustworthy today. • Read or choose one affirmation (see below) to anchor your commitment.
Throughout the Day	• Speak clearly, honestly, and authentically. • Keep confidences. • Clarify expectations and understand commitments before agreeing. • Avoid overpromising; be transparent about uncertainties. • Honor your promises and follow through. • Alert others early if issues arise. • Act consistently—no surprises or hidden motives. • Make your work visible—share progress and invite input. • Engage in open dialogue when challenges happen. • Own your actions—accept responsibility and apologize when needed.
Evening	• Reflect on how well you lived up to these behaviors. • Note one strength and one area for growth. • Reaffirm intention for tomorrow.

Affirmations to Support Your Practice

Based on Wise Affirmations/Personal Responsibility, here are affirmations that reinforce trust-building behaviors:

• You are impeccable with your word.
• You are trustworthy.
• You earn the trust of others.
• You do not betray others.
• You understand what is expected before making promises.
• You make and keep promises.
• You behave consistently and predictably.
• You alert others to unforeseen circumstances if you cannot keep a promise.
• You take full responsibility for your actions.
• You apologize fully for your harmful actions.

Feel free to choose one or two affirmations each day—or rotate through them—to keep your intention fresh and meaningful.