If you want to start a conversation with a stranger, ask, “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?” You’ll likely hear a heartfelt or smart response. No matter the situation, we feel we’ve learned something or confirmed something, we believe to be true, by listening.
We like hearing of how a few well placed pieces of advice can change someone’s life. We like it even better if we are the ones credited with giving the advice. It makes us feel proud.
It sounds like your advice has a value on the marketplace. While this may sound strange, keep in mind that many people are paid to give their advice. This is fine because they are respected leaders in their fields, which can extend to things outside of the office, like parenting.
Do you give other people advice on the things you know best? Does it seem like your words help them? I’m guessing in most cases it feels good and your words of wisdom are appreciated.
Here’s the big question I have for you: Do you follow your own advice? This is the stuff you know, the core of your expertise.
For many, their own advice goes ignored. They second guess it, even when the advice would be passed on to another person without hesitation.
This is an illustration of a common productivity challenge. It sees you so close to a problem that you can’t access your own wisdom and experience.
Instead, you allow a doubt machine to start running in your mind. You waste a lot of time trying to find an answer that you already have. You have a sneaking suspicion that the perfect answer is out there and you just have to keep looking for it. This is a great way to avoid making a decision.
To break out of this cycle, I suggest you mentally distance yourself from your problem. Imagine that a valued friend or colleague has approached you with the challenge.
What would you tell them to do? Now, without hesitation, take that course of action.
If it’s good enough for you to tell someone else, then it’s good enough for you to act on.
You can be a tremendous resource to yourself, if you will only listen to what you say.
Maybe it’s time to bring Ken Okel to your next meeting…
Read any good books lately?
