Everything but technology with Nat - Vol V: Take Advice, But Make It Your Own

Greetings earthlings,

In our bustling world, advice rains down like confetti at a celebration. Everyone—from your neighbor’s cat to that motivational guru on YouTube—has something to say about productivity, success, and life optimization. And you know what? Advice is like a buffet: a spread of options, each with its own flavor and appeal. But here’s the catch—it’s not all meant for your plate.

The real trick? Knowing which advice to take and how to make it work for you.

First things first: research. And I don’t just mean Googling the latest trending life hack or productivity method. I mean digging into where that advice comes from, who's giving it, and how it applies to your own circumstances. Blindly following what worked for someone else without considering your own reality can lead to frustration. What works for them is just a data point—not gospel.

We’ve all been there. We read a book, watch a TED Talk, or get advice from someone we trust, and suddenly we’re convinced we’ve found the magic solution. You want to try it, and that’s fine—experimentation is key. But be aware that any advice needs to be reshuffled, adjusted, or even discarded if it doesn't fit your lifestyle. That’s the part we often skip: being critical.

Now, what works for me? I’ve built a routine that’s far from conventional, and it took me years to figure it out without guilt. Here’s my deal:

I wake up at 6 a.m., check in on things, send emails. I work out at 9, 11 or 12, depending on the day. And you know what? I don't shower right after. I take a shower when I can—sometimes later in the day. I fast after 5 p.m., and I try to get to bed early. This routine keeps my mind sharp, and I’ve let go of the guilt around not following the usual norms. For instance, working out in the middle of the day or not making my bed until I feel like it might sound like terrible advice. But guess what? It works for me.

And when you’re super excited because something worked for you and you want to share it, don’t forget the disclaimer: “It worked for me.” Everyone’s situation is different. What clicks for one person might need serious tweaking for someone else. Sharing advice is a HUGE responsibility—what worked wonders for you could cause frustration or even harm if it’s blindly applied to someone else’s life. Offering further help to shape the advice to that person’s reality is a much better way to support them. After all, life isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Here’s the thing: people generally have good intentions. When someone shares advice, they usually mean well. But sometimes, sharing with the best of intentions can unintentionally harm someone else. You know that, right? So, both advice providers and consumers need to pay attention.

This, of course, is consistent and aligned with what I always talk about. Remember my favorite tune? Critical thinking. It’s not just about taking advice at face value; it’s about questioning, reshaping, and owning it to make sure it aligns with your own needs and goals.

Here's the compass, fellow earthling: Advice is like stardust—it only sparkles when you make it your own. And hey, if not making your bed at 6 a.m. feels right, embrace it. Life’s too short for wrinkle-free sheets. In my case, bamboo sheets.

Ping me if you need help,

Nat