Why Admitting Mistakes Is the Key to Genuine Confidence and Trust | Ep 165

In this episode, Cartwright and Bo explore the importance of humility, embracing failure, and the role of ego in personal and professional growth. We discuss practical ways to foster truthfulness, vulnerability, and authentic relationships, especially for men navigating their twenties and thirties. Most men struggle to admit when they're wrong — not because they lack confidence, but because their ego is often wrapped around the need to appear perfect. Cartwright and Bo unpack the hidden costs of pride, revealing how admitting mistakes not only fosters trust but accelerates growth in both your personal and professional life. The real winners, he argues, are those who choose truth over ego every time.When you're in your twenties or thirties, the pressure to have all the answers can be overwhelming. Cartwright explores why our false belief that we must always look confident keeps us stuck in inauthenticity—and how this barrier damages relationships, hampers leadership, and stunts real growth. You'll discover practical insights on how successful men gather lessons from failure, how ego-driven insecurities drive bad decisions, and how humility is the true mark of strength.This episode breaks down the success of high-trust environments and gives you the mindset shifts needed to foster genuine relationships. You'll learn why embracing imperfections, asking more honest questions, and owning your mistakes create space for trust, influence, and long-term success. Plus, Cartwright shares powerful stories from biblical figures and modern leaders, showing how vulnerability actually builds resilience and respect.The stakes couldn’t be higher: clinging to ego traps you in a cycle of isolation, dishonesty, and superficial success. But by shifting your focus to truth and humility, you open the door to authentic influence, peace, and a more meaningful life. Whether you're leading a team, building a marriage, or growing as a man, this episode delivers the clarity you need to start right now.Perfect for men committed to real growth, leaders hungry for trust, and anyone tired of surfaces and masks—this is your invitation to live out the strength found in humility. Hit play, and discover how the power of admitting you're wrong can transform your relationships, your career, and ultimately, your own sense of worth.THE FORGE program starts August 11th at 6:45 AM In-person sign up - https://calendly.com/meet-with-cartwright/the-forgeVirtual sign up - https://calendly.com/meet-with-cartwright/theforge-virtualKey  topicsThe role of ego in personal growthThe importance of admitting mistakesBuilding trust through vulnerabilityThe impact of ego on relationships and successPractical steps to embrace truth and humilityTakeawaysAdmitting you're wrong is a sign of strength, not weakness.Successful people embrace failure as part of growth.Building authentic relationships requires vulnerability.Creating a culture of truth starts with self-awareness.Humility and self-reflection are key to leadership and success.Sound bites"Everybody's got an ego, and it stinks.""The truth can be hard, but it's the path to growth.""Admitting you're wrong is a sign of strength."Chapters00:00 Navigating Change and Expectations03:02 The Pursuit of Truth vs. Ego06:20 The Role of Admitting Mistakes08:51 Building Trust Through Vulnerability11:48 The Impact of Fatherhood on Ego15:02 Lessons from Work Environments17:55 The Influence of Humility in Relationships20:56 Creating a Culture of Truth23:42 Understanding Ego in Success28:08 The Role of Ego in Personal Fulfillment31:17 Creating a Culture of Truth34:34 Admitting Mistakes and Learning39:44 The Impact of Ego on Relationships45:17 Engaging with Personal Stories for Growth52:42 The Importance of Self-Reflection and UnderstandingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cartwrightmorrisTransform your health routine with Bravenly Hydrate and enjoy the benefits of peak hydration!Hydrate with BravenlySupport the showMEN ARE FORGED develops young professional men to pursue God's calling — so they can grow, lead, and maximize influence in the world around them.Send in a question to be answered on the pod!For more on what we do, go to menareforged.com.