Trust is the Point Where You Can Do It Without Thinking

by Oli Anderson, Transformational Coach for Realness

Maybe all you need to do is to let go.

When I first set out to master handstands in my yoga practice, I didn’t expect it to be easy. But what I did know was that if I wanted to level up, I had to fully commit. For about a year, I focused on nothing but handstands, and while the process was challenging, I learned some valuable lessons about trust, effort, and letting go.

If you’re struggling with self-trust, whether in yoga, your career, or life in general, this story might offer a few insights.

The Importance of Consistency and Commitment

For years, I had dabbled with handstands here and there. But this time was different. I committed to being consistent. It wasn’t about trying a little here and there; it was about showing up every single day.

This is where the law of Cause & Effect came into play. Every small action, every practice session, added up. It always works. The more you put in, the more you get out. But it also requires that you stay committed to the process, no matter how many times you fall.

The Trial and Error Process

Like any skill, learning a handstand wasn’t smooth sailing. I had to go through the trial-and-error phase, where I fell countless times, landing on my back, shoulders, and head—each time learning a new lesson. The key here was not avoiding failure, but rather embracing it as part of the process.

I started with the basics:

Hands: I had to figure out exactly where to place my hands on the floor for the best stability.
Elbows: Locking my elbows helped me engage the muscles needed for balance.
Shoulders: I needed to make sure my shoulders were in the right position to avoid straining.
Core & Legs: Engaging my core and legs was crucial for keeping everything aligned and controlled.

As you can see, handstands aren’t just about going upside down—they’re a series of small adjustments that build on each other.

The Final Step: Trusting My Body

Once I had mastered the basics and built a solid foundation, there was one thing left to do: trust my body and let go.

Here’s the big realisation: My body already knew what to do. After all that practice, the muscle memory was there. But the fear—fear of falling, fear of not succeeding—was holding me back.

Fear, I realised, is just “False Evidence Appearing Real” (as some genius once said – don’t know who). It wasn’t a true threat; it was just my mind trying to protect me from perceived danger.

Why You Might Struggle with Trust

If you struggle to trust yourself or life, you may be facing one of two situations:

You need more practice: Perhaps you haven’t quite reached the point of unconscious competence. In other words, you haven’t put in enough consistent effort to get to the point where you can trust yourself without overthinking.
You’ve done enough, but you’re holding back: This is when fear becomes a block. You’ve built the foundation, but something is stopping you from fully letting go and trusting that you’re ready to move forward.

Either way, trust comes when you’re ready to stop thinking and start doing from a place of deep internal knowing.

The Power of Letting Go

Once I let go of the fear and fully trusted that my body knew the steps, I could do the handstand without thinking. It wasn’t about forcing it or worrying about every detail; it was about stepping into a space where my body and mind were in alignment, and the flow took over.

When you trust yourself, you don’t have to consciously think through every action. You just do. And that’s when you see results—without the effort.

Practical Steps to Build Trust in Yourself

If you’re ready to step into this space of trust, here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Commit to Consistency

Whether it’s a physical practice, a project, or a goal, commit to showing up consistently. Trust that the small, daily efforts will accumulate and lead to mastery.

Action: Set a goal to show up every day for 30 minutes, whether it’s practicing handstands, working on a skill, or something else. No excuses, just consistency.

2. Embrace the Trial and Error

Don’t be afraid to fail—failures are just stepping stones to success. Each failure brings a lesson that brings you closer to mastery.

Action: Keep a journal of your learning process. Write down each mistake and what it taught you, then use that knowledge to improve.

3. Acknowledge Your Progress

If you feel stuck, take a moment to look back and recognise how far you’ve come. Acknowledge your unconscious competence—you might be ready to trust yourself more than you think.

Action: Take a step back and celebrate your wins, even the small ones. Recognising your progress helps shift your mindset and allows you to let go of the fear.

4. Let Go of Fear

Fear is often the only thing standing between you and your goals. Recognise that fear is not real, and let go of the mental block that’s holding you back. Trust yourself and trust the process.

Action: When fear arises, take a deep breath and visualise yourself succeeding. Let go of the “what-ifs” and focus on the “I am ready.”

5. Stop Overthinking

At some point, you need to stop thinking about the steps and just do. Trust that your body and mind have the tools to succeed, and let go of the urge to control every outcome.

Action: In moments of doubt, repeat a mantra like, “I am enough,” or “I trust the process.” Let your body take over and perform without overthinking.

Conclusion: Trust Yourself and Let Go

The point where you can do it without thinking is the point where you’ve built enough trust in yourself and in the process. Whether you’re working on a handstand, a career, or any other goal, remember that trust comes from consistency, embracing mistakes, and letting go of the fear that holds you back.

So, get out there, put in the work, and trust that you’re ready for the next step. The results will come when you stop thinking and start trusting.

Go get it and stay real out there,

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