A little healthy doubt is a shield. Use it on headlines, sales pitches, and anyone promising overnight results.

Doubt used well is protective rather than sour. The claims that need you to decide quickly are the ones most likely to be weak, and a single pause for evidence removes most of what would have cost you. The aim is not to believe nothing, only to make claims earn their place.

Give anything promising a fast, large result one extra question before you act on it. Who benefits if you believe this, and what would it look like if it were not true. Keep the doubt for the pitch rather than for the people.