Who Do You Listen To?

I’ve always been a big process guy. Do this, then this, and you’ll get this goal. I see everything in steps. Or at least a large part of the world. Yet, we all have our blind spots.

Areas where we might think we are following the process. Where we believe we are doing the right things to get the result we desire. Yet, that result isn’t showing up. What now? Which is kind of the ultimate question. What do we do now?

This is the proverbial fork in the road. Two paths that will take you in two different directions. One path is going straight. Where you just keep on the road you’re on and you’ll see what happens. Because maybe you just haven’t put in enough time. Maybe that’s where you are at. Taking the other fork means a change. This could be a 90-degree turn, or it could be slightly different.

The problem is that you aren’t sure which to take. For now, it’s best to stay on the path so you’re at least doing something. Some progress, but again you don’t know if it’s right or wrong. The problem is neither is necessarily right nor wrong.

Who do you listen to? This is the next question on where you get advice. How much do you pay for that advice and what form does it come in? For me, the more interactions I’ve had with guys who are true experts in their field, where their advice is 100% applicable to my situation I’ve done very well. For those who aren’t in my situation, or my industry, and give advice, it hasn’t turned out well.

Specific instruction. Specificity is key to getting the result you want. Now, this might sound obvious. But do you have someone who is in your industry, who can give specific advice on what you are going through and tell you what potholes to avoid? I wish I had better counsel sooner in my life. And this goes for all aspects of life. From my physical fitness, to business, to wholeness as a person.

Having specific people you can turn to for wise counsel is worth every bit. It’s then just making sure that you understand what they are an expert in and what they are not so you can audit their advice appropriately. Another thing I wish I had learned a long time ago.

All that to say there is a process that everything follows. Having someone who’s been down the path, and who can see it for you is a valuable thing to have. In a world where there is a ton of advice, a ton of books, and a ton of information only a few rise to the top.

Understand who you’re getting information from and where they are experts. I know I don’t have all the answers and typically I have more questions than I do answers. Hopefully, these questions provoke some thoughts of your own to sit and ponder.