You’ve Got Something in Your Teeth!!! Learn From Your Truth-Tellers!

Let’s be honest—having someone point out that your zip is open or you’ve got spinach stuck in your teeth can feel awkward. Yet, in those moments, you’ve encountered a truth-teller—someone brave enough to point out what you need to know, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Truth-tellers are invaluable in our lives. They’re the ones who help us see ourselves clearly, giving us the feedback we might not want but desperately need. So why do we often struggle to accept their insights? Why do we cringe, dismiss, or even resist when they tell us a less-than-positive truth about ourselves, our performance, or our cherished ideas?

The Natural Instinct to Resist

When confronted with an uncomfortable truth, our brains perceive it as a threat—to our status, sense of fairness, or the relationship with the person delivering the message. It’s easier to brush it off, justify our actions, or focus on the teller’s delivery rather than the message itself. But here’s the thing: rejecting uncomfortable truths is a missed opportunity for growth.

Embrace the Awkwardness

When someone cares enough to tell you the truth, the best response is to pause and fight your instincts to dismiss or hide from it. Take a deep breath (seriously, it helps). Quiet the defensive voice in your head. Remind yourself that this person likely has good intentions—they want to help you improve. Then, listen.

Seek Out Your Truth-Tellers

Don’t just wait for truth-tellers to come to you—actively seek them out. Surround yourself with people who are honest, even when it’s hard. Keep them close. Encourage them to share their perspective, and ask for the truth regularly. As you advance in your career or personal life, the number of people willing to give you honest feedback tends to dwindle. But without their input, you’ll miss critical insights that could make you more successful.

My Own Truth-Tellers

For me, the biggest truth-tellers in my life are my wife and my son. There are times when I disagree with their perspectives, but I’ve learned to listen—because more often than not, they’re right. Their candid feedback, though sometimes hard to hear, has helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have managed on my own.

Who Are Your Truth-Tellers?

Identifying your truth-tellers is a game-changer. These are the people who will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. They’ll help you navigate blind spots, make better decisions, and achieve your goals.

So, the next time someone points out something uncomfortable—whether it’s spinach in your teeth or a flaw in your strategy—thank them. They’re doing you a favor. And if you don’t have a few trusted truth-tellers in your life, it’s time to find them.

Because the truth is, we all need a little honesty to grow.