It is very common today to not tell the truth. Turn on the television and see how prevalent not telling the truth is in our society. There are politicians, celebrities, CEO's etc. on display who exemplify this problem in our society. Of course we all know that not telling the truth is equal to telling a lie. So let us look at the illustration of the Trust Account in light of telling the truth:

 

Deposits - You make deposits into your Trust Account by telling the truth. Even if you are known for telling the "harsh" truth, people will know you for being one to tell the truth. Telling the truth does not necessarily make you a person to whom people will be drawn. In fact, you may loose many of friends for telling the truth. However, when it comes to critical matters, where the truth is needed, you will be the first person that people will trust. That is because of the balance in your Trust Account.

 

Withdrawals - The first time you lie to your children, you make a huge withdrawal. If you lie consistently to your children, then you are harming them greatly, because: (1) You are showing them that you as a parent cannot be trusted and (2) They will grow up in this world not trusting others, which leads to (3) Being unable to build good relationships, because trust is lacking.

 

The same is true for friends, family, coworkers, employees etc. A lie will cost you a great deal among those with whom you have some kind of relationship. The relationships might not be harmed as much as the example of the children, because your level of influence is far lesser than with children. However, as far as succeeding in life, alliances will be very few, because you have a bad credit history; You are known for not telling the truth.

 

Deficits - This is where you have made it a "lifestyle" to not tell the truth. You are at a deficit in your trust account when others recognize you as a liar. This means that they know of more than one occasion wherein you were being dishonest. When you are at a deficit in your Trust Account for not telling the truth, others will not trust you with information. Others will not trust you at all. People will not want to do business with you, because of your history of being dishonest.

 

Correcting the Deficit - Even if you have had a history of being dishonest, you can replenish your Trust Account. However it will take time and effort. The Trust Account is based on the perceptions of others (children, friends, family, coworkers, etc.) Therefore if you decide that starting today you will tell the truth always, it does not mean that your Trust Account is rebuilt as of today. You are going to have to prove yourself in the eyes of others.

 

One place to start in gaining the trust of others is to accept responsibility and apologize to whomever has been impacted by your lies. Then make it an effort to demonstrate to them (and to others) that you are a person of truth. Disregard your history of being dishonest, and envision yourself as the most honest person in the world. Make it a lifestyle to be truthful.

 

Before you know it, your Trust Account will be in the positive.