The Secret To Taking Advice
Usually, practical wisdom comes with time and experience. But you can accelerate your ability to make sound decisions if you do one thing: take people’s advice.
Taking advice is truly a life hack. By taking advice, or learning from others, whether it’s from what they do or say, or don’t do or say, you’ll have a tremendous advantage over those who ignore other people’s advice. You will in effect be able to get years of experience in a shorter period of time.
In addition to getting an edge in the workplace and life by actually applying the advice of others, you’ll be the kind of employee that companies desperately seek to hire. If someone is teachable, they become an investment and an asset that will only grow in value to the company over time. Are you that kind asset right now? Do you take advice?
“I know” Doesn’t Mean A Thing.
When someone gives you advice, for example, “You need to get more sleep,” or “You shouldn’t eat so much junk food,” what is your normal response?
If you don’t just flat-out ignore the person out of irritation or pride, you might say “I know.” But what usually happens after that? Do you take action? Probably not.
What prevents you from taking action? Why is it so easy for us to just acknowledge good advice rather than apply it?
Watch the video.
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Understand that your brain processes huge amounts of information, input, and feedback every second. Therefore it needs to quickly acknowledge the information and then move on to the next bit of information. Only if the brain determines that a piece of information is important enough that action is required (like a child running into the middle of the street), does it stop and allow you to determine how best to respond to that piece of information.
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The response, “I know,” encourages your brain to simply acknowledge a statement even if it is important advice. So use phrases like “I will”, “I’m trying, “ or I am,” since these phrases can slow your brain down just enough for you to consciously consider the benefits of the advice. Those phrases require action, which signals your brain to pause for a moment. But if you use those phrases without the intent of improving, those too will eventually become signals to your brain to simply acknowledge the information and move on.
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Once you’ve slowed down the speed at which your brain processes information, then determine if or how the advice would impact you if applied. Maybe it would change your life in drastic ways. It will take willingness on your part to put forth the effort to improve, to better yourself, and make sacrifices if needed. Most people your age are too impatient or lazy to take the next steps. But if you want to take control of your future success, decide on one or two action items that will allow you to apply the advice. Then follow through.
Steps for Change
Metacognitive Goal
This week, use the metacognitive goal as explained in the video. It’s so important to look at the results of the advice. If a person gives you advice, how has he or she benefited? Is that person someone you respect or admire? If so, they’re living proof that with work and determination, their advice will help level you up - if you’re willing to put in the work.