Note: This article is from blogger Keith Lai, who talks about his experience with choosing the best advice, and how it relates to success in achieving goals.
At some point in their lives, everyone endeavours to seek advice from individuals with more experience, perhaps someone who possesses insights into what actions should be taken. This quest for guidance is fueled by the aspiration to attain a level of success akin to theirs. Whether you are simply trying to learn how to prepare a dish or establishing a successful business project, you will inevitably seek help from someone sooner or later. It is a mistake to believe that we can learn anything independently, as no one can do that. We all need assistance, and if you think you can do everything by yourself, you are deluding yourself.
How Did You Acquire The Skill Of Accepting Advice?
Back when I was 15, I was intensely fascinated by fitness. Like other teenagers, I was eager to learn how to build muscle and enhance my physical strength. I delved into extensive online research for hours, trying to unearth the most effective path toward my goal. However, the challenge lay in the multitude of conflicting advice scattered across the internet. It was a competitive arena where websites vied for attention, making it difficult for me, given my young age, to discern whom to trust amidst the overwhelming array of information.
As an example, I encountered conflicting information online—one set of websites asserted that weightlifting could adversely affect muscle size, while others claimed it promoted bone density and muscle growth. Feeling unsure about the credibility of these statements, I decided to follow a workout program and dietary plan recommended by experts. I adhered to this regimen for three weeks but eventually halted, apprehensive that I might be overlooking valuable advice from other online sources, potentially compromising my overall well-being.
For about six months, I cycled through various workout programs and diverse dietary plans every three weeks. While most programs suggested a commitment of several months for noticeable results, my lack of trust in their effectiveness left me without significant progress. The frustration was palpable. Eventually, at the end of those six months, I decided to set a clear goal and commit to a specific program for a focused period of three months.
Regardless of potential setbacks, I resolved not to waver from the program and committed wholeheartedly to see what would transpire within the next three months. Surprisingly, the plan yielded success, leading to substantial muscle gain. I found immense satisfaction in the achieved results, later realising that the pivotal factor in my success wasn't just the choice of one program over another but my unwavering commitment to following a specific piece of advice.
How Does One Best Receive Advice, And From Whom Should They Specifically Seek Guidance?
I have just two pieces of advice when it comes to seeking guidance from others:
- Feel free to seek advice from anyone you desire, but remain open to insights from others as well.
- Make sure that the person you turn to for advice has more experience than you do.
These two pieces of advice are foundational: it doesn't matter whom you seek guidance from, as long as they possess more experience than you do. For example, if you're endeavoring to launch a new business, you could seek advice from a business school professor, the owner of a local fast-food establishment, or even hire a fitness coach at $500 per hour. The critical factor influencing the quality of the results you attain is your commitment to implementing the advice.
You can spend 10 hours a day browsing various websites on how to start a business, but it's all of little practical importance if you don't apply any of what you've learned.
How Do You Discern The Most Reliable Source When Seeking Advice?
While there isn't a foolproof rule for pinpointing the best source of advice, it's essential to be cautious of individuals who claim omniscience and possess the so-called 'secrets to success'—they are often deceivers. Certainly, some people offer more valuable advice than others, but endlessly seeking the ideal advisor won't lead to progress. The reality is that most advice holds the potential for success. The hurdle lies in people's skepticism toward the guidance they receive.
Avoid Becoming Scattered Amidst A Multitude Of Diverse Tips And Choices
Steer clear of scattering your focus by constantly shifting from one piece of advice to another in the pursuit of the optimal solution. For example, if your aim is weight loss, avoid transitioning abruptly from a dedicated yoga program to a routine that combines dance and boxing.
This doesn't imply that yoga is superior or that boxing is inferior for weight loss; the crucial point is that your success doesn't solely depend on the choice itself. If you opt for yoga, stay committed to it until you witness results; dedicate at least three months to assess whether it proves effective in achieving your goal or not.
In Conclusion
When seeking help next time, stick to advice from a single source. Keep it straightforward. While it's fine to consider additional suggestions, avoid letting it divert your focus from your primary goal.
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