I know it may sound like a silly question but how often does is
it ring true. Are you following your own advice?
Why ask? Recently I interviewed a friend in HR regarding workplace delegation and
integrating additional staff. I had pages upon pages of notes with really sound
tips! I had so much information that I was able to create a blog post article
and share it with the Twitterverse. But a funny thing happened. The very friend
I interviewed tweeted me back with a message of thanks followed by a confession of clarity:
“Perhaps I should take my own advice.”
I quickly echoed the same sentiments to myself. I have managed a staff of twenty before, I have hired and also fired employees. So, why was it so hard for me to follow my own advice and past experiences regarding building a team?
Haven't you ever noticed how a friend, co-worker or family
member comes to us with a challenge and we objectively point out the actions
they need to handle it in a matter of minutes? Ok, some scenarios may actually
take a few hours to remedy but the point is we (from the outside) see clear, we
see cause and effect; we see creative resolution.
Of course, when the tables are turned and we happen to be the ones in
the “advice-seeking seat”, it’s hard for us to step back and apply the same
approach to our challenges. For some reason, be it subconscious or just a
matter of habit, we doubt our own guidance!
Instinctively we come up with a conclusion right away but
then, the inner dialog kicks in. “No," we say to ourselves, "that couldn’t be
right. Let’s see what Johnny says, what Cathy says, what Oprah says.” (I
will admit, Oprah’s advice is usually pretty spot on!)
This can be said for business, exercise, relationships,
eating right, following our goals. Then, we go on to collect so many opinions and perspectives that we either come back to our original conclusion or apply a hodge-podge solution derived from everyone else's ideas. But everyone else isn't you, they offer their perspectives based upon their experiences which may or may not fit your scenario.
Sometimes, the very source and problem solver
we need lies within.
Inspired by recent events (and the A to Z blog challenge), I write about advice today because I’m a self-help, new
age, self-educated junkie! And while I love my Tony Robbins mp3’s and entrepreneurial workshops
and inspirational books, I want to remind us (yes, me+you) again that sometimes the very source and problem solver
we need lies within.
What areas are you currently seeking advice in? I'll share mine if you share yours, I would love to hear from you!
Photo Credit
Photo Credit
I am always saying to think positively and remove the negativity from your life. I say this partly for others and partly for myself because I tend to feed off of other people and their emotions.
ReplyDeleteI try to listen to myself and follow my own advice.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Thanks so much for sharing a tidbit of wisdom. I agree, negativity is no bueno! And it's so easy to get fueled by other peoples emotions especially if we are in touch with ours. I have found a simple remedy: meditation and wine! HAHA. They both work wonders, in moderation of course. Looking forward to your B post.
DeleteBeautiful insight. Wonderful advice!
ReplyDeleteKonstanz Silverbow
nothoughts2small.blogspot.com
A to Z co-host
www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Thank you Konstanz. I suppose I subconsciously wrote this because I am an over analyzer and my advice to myself is: stop over analyzing! How about A is for appreciation, as in, I appreciate your support!
DeleteGreat post! It's easier to see pertinent issues from outside than inside the box. When we are smack dab in the middle of the situation, we see things differently, especially when feelings are involved. It is humbling to see someone else's perspective, especially when the advise we receive is usually what we would give. Good luck with the rest of the challenge! You certainly kicked it off on the right foot.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, it is so much more FUN to give than to receive (or follow) advice. I do sometimes get a chance to tell my best friend to follow her own advice, but she is much too kind to do that to me! Thanks for commenting on my blog too.
ReplyDeleteI try to follow my own advice. But like you said, things seem much messier when you're in the midst of it. An outside perspective can actually be helpful, even if they're only going to tell you something you already know. :)
ReplyDeleteGood post! :)
That little voice inside often whispers that I should turn back or stop. I tell myself afterward to listen. But each time I plough on. I guess this is a different one than you're talking about, but it is our own advice as well.
ReplyDeleteListening is an important step in problem solving which is what advice is all about after all, right? Sounds to me like you listen to all scenarios and take your own advice for move forward! : ) No matter which direction you decide to go---backwards, forwards or stopping all together, it will work out in the long run.
DeleteVery thought provoking. I never listen to my own advise. I should.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! It's so true. I think one key is to realize that when we give other's advice we are a bit removed from the issues at hand. We can teach ourselves to detach from our own issue, just long enough to get perspective and be more objective.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to you! Your profile sounds similar to my purpose for my blog. :) Good to meet you via the A to Z Challenge.
Oh goodness. If only I could take my own advice. I give some pretty good advice, if I do say so myself. I'm just not so good at following it. Great post and great to meet you!
ReplyDelete