Are you an advice junkie? How many people do you like to talk to before making a decision? Of course, getting opinions and perspective from people we trust is always a good way to check-up on our instincts. Sometimes what we hear jibes with our gut; and sometimes it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t that can help us hone in our own inner voice.
But sometimes there are good reasons to ignore advice. Here are three:
Sometimes all the voices drown out your own. If you’ve embarked on what feels like a never-ending quest to earn the Guinness World Record for most opinions asked, then you might be muddying your thoughts instead of clarifying them. If you find yourself (all of a sudden) unable to figure out how you feel about your situation, sit in a quiet room, close your eyes and breathe. Sometimes just asking the Universe for guidance can help you get in touch with and reconnect with your intuition.
Not everyone approaches the same issue the same way. There are variations and you’ll feel most comfortable if you’re following your own rules. People may tell you what they’d say or do, if they were in your position. They may tell you what you should say or do. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. Sometimes the best response is, “Thank you for your insight; I’ll consider it.” If you try to conform to the imagined response someone else thinks you should give, it will feel very uncomfortable and could open you up to a host of other problems: resentment, regret, anger – at yourself and at others.
Be yourself. Doing things your own way is a basic pillar of personal integrity. The ultimate goal of living a life well-lived is being yourself. And when you’re being yourself you’re more likely to drop your guard and embrace honesty. When you’re honest with someone, they are much more likely to open up and be honest with you. When there is this sort of reciprocal honestly, relationships improve and grow. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. And counter-intuitively, you’ll be less fearful of judgment. In the end, who are you, if you’re not yourself?
