The hidden cost of your cynicism.
It’s actually stealing your life.
If you're a kind person.
You're not that smart.
That’s a common belief, according to research.
Susan Fiske studied the perception of cynicism and competence:
70% prefer cynics for “hard tasks,” assuming they’re smarter.
85% see cynics as more socially wise.
It turned out none of those is actually true.
We trust those who don’t believe in trust.
Cynical engineers are not smarter.
They fall into the trap:
Tunnel vision. They struggle to see others’ perspectives.
Mistrust cycle. Not trusting people leads others to no trust in return.
Health risks. A Journal of Psychosomatic Research study found cynicism is linked to higher mortality rates.
So cynicism literally shortens your life.
How to break free? Be cynical to your cynicism.
Question your mistrust.
Ask yourself, “Why don’t I trust this person?”
Is there actual evidence they might harm me?
Most of the time, there’s no real reason holding you back.
Recognize trust as a gift
When you show trust, people are more likely to meet it. Trust can transform relationships. Encourage others to be their best.
Practice “Positive Gossip”
Highlight and share the good you see in others. Not only does it uplift them, but it also shifts your focus to the positive aspects of people around you.
Remember:
Trust is a bridge.
It connects you to the power of unity.