If you find yourself sharing your thoughts and ideas about something important to you with someone you trust, and you’re also revealing how you intend to handle the situation, finish up with this question: Why am I wrong?

It’s win-win for you. If your confidant thinks you’re wrong, they’ll tell you and hopefully set you straight; if they think you’re right, you’ll feel validated enough to go forward with your approach.

Asking this question does require subordinating your ego — which never hurts.