Another great question, who do you listen to for advice? In our life, we are always about expansion. Buckminster Fuller (Bucky) said we are the universe’s natural problem solvers. I believe in that statement. All we are ever doing is solving problems and mostly by trial and error. And I also believe that we are always striving for more. We are constantly trying to increase our well-being, our satisfaction.
When faced with the natural challenges of life, who do go to for help? We live in an age of information overload. It can be exhausting how much information is available to us. I have to admit that sometimes I’m a little jealous of the younger generations having so much information at their disposal at such a young age. They are able to access so much more than I had access to.
Then I also reflect on how different the world is too from then to now and I liked growing up in a world without the email and social media. I developed an immense ability to focus. I think focus will be more of a challenge in the years to come for everyone. We are in a world full of distractions.
Back to the main topic, who do you listen to for help? It is a great question. I used to work with an old construction superintendent who always said everything is easy, you just a need genius to help you. It was funny then and still is now. He’s right, everything is easy when you know what to do.
The often stated answer is-listen to the person who has done what you want to be, do or have. It’s pretty good advice. The person who has done the thing has a lot of knowledge about it. I think to keep track of is-everyone has an opinion and usually wants to share it. That is human nature.
Are you looking for an opinion or real knowledge on the subject? And how many experts do you listen to? This is really the heart of it. There is no one way to do anything (generally speaking). When I am looking at something, I’ll go through all the options available and then make a decision. You got to pick one and go with it. You can still draw aspects from other people. Sometimes you just got a draw a line in the sand and go with it.
Let’s use building a house an example. You need an architect to design the house. You find out that there are 20 architects in your area that design houses and also hundreds of house plans (pre-drawn) on the internet to choose from. You realize you don’t want the pre-drawn you want work directly with an architect. Okay, now you have to pick-one and go build your house. You don’t need three architects trying to design your house that would only cause confusion.
For me, it comes down to what resonates the best with me. On one of my mentors, I heard him first speak on a podcast and it was simple stuff he was saying yet it struck a resonance with me. It felt right. And so I learned as much as I could from that person. He became a great mentor of mine.
At the same time, I had another mentor and when he said something that was different or not in line with the other mentor I had to pause. I still synthesized his ideas, and just asked myself is this in line with my ideas, my values, and who I am and want to be? If yes, then I considered it to be added into the mix as an option and if it didn’t then I let it go (at least for now).
The point is, if want advice you need to pick someone to listen to. And in our world of endless choices it can be difficult. Consider going with your gut and follow what feels right to you. And if nothing feels right keep looking until it does.
For the workshop today, take a look at who you are listening to for advice, suggestions, knowledge. Do they know what they are talking about, have they done the thing you want to do, and does it align with your values. If yes, great, take their suggestions and put it into action. If no, then maybe consider another person’s help, someone who has the done the thing or has knowledge that will help you in a greater way. Remember \, the quality of the advice you receive can greatly influence your results.
