Consider the Sourceā¦..
One of the most valuable life skills I have developed is learning to consider the source of the advice I take.
Iām always surprised by how many people take advice from people they donāt admire, donāt respect, and wouldnāt trade places with.
My standard is simple.
If someone doesnāt have the marriage, life, mindset, or character I respect or aspire towardā¦ Iām not taking their advice.
Why would I?
If I donāt want the results theyāre getting, why would I follow their guidance?
And before someone jumps in with the āeveryone has valueā speechā¦yes, of course they do.
Thatās not the point.
This is about advice.
Advice shapes direction. Direction shapes outcomes.
The internet has made it incredibly easy to absorb opinions from strangers we donāt know, people we wouldnāt trade lives with, and voices we donāt even respect.
People hear something once, it validates how they already feel, and suddenly it becomes their new truth.
But validation isnāt the same thing as growth.
Sometimes the people who love you the most are the ones willing to say the hard thing. The ones who care enough about your growth to challenge you.
The people who always stay quiet and tell you what you want to hear?
Theyāre not protecting you.
Theyāre protecting comfort.
And listen, if growth isnāt a value of yours, thatās fine. Truly. Keep taking advice from whoever makes you feel good in the moment.
But if growth is something you valueā¦ then consider the source.
Because wisdom isnāt just in what someone says.
Itās in the life their choices have built.
So before you adopt someoneās advice, ask yourself one simple questionā¦.Do I want the life they have?
If the answer is noā¦reconsider the source.
In todayās world, advice comes at us from all directions, especially through social media and the internet. With so many voices, itās tempting to take any advice that sounds appealing or supportive. However, from my personal experience, not all advice is created equal. Iāve learned that assessing the source isnāt just about judging a person, but about evaluating whether their life path aligns with where I want to go. Just because someone has an opinion doesnāt mean they have the experience or wisdom that benefits you. For example, if someoneās relationship or mindset doesnāt inspire you, following their guidance may lead you away from your goals rather than toward them. This is a crucial lesson I learned after taking advice from well-meaning but misaligned sources and realizing it didnāt bring me closer to my desired outcome. Furthermore, growth often requires difficult feedbackānot just comfort or validation. True friends or mentors care enough to challenge you. While itās tempting to listen to only encouraging words, constructive criticism is a powerful tool for development. When you consider who offers advice, look for those willing to push you to improve rather than keep you in your comfort zone. Also, keep in mind that wisdom is demonstrated by someoneās life choices and results, not just their words. Before adopting advice, take a moment to reflect: "Do I want to build a life like theirs?" If the answer is yes, their advice is likely valuable. If not, itās worth reconsidering where you get your guidance. Practicing discernment in whose advice you accept has empowered me to make wiser decisions and grow more intentionally. I encourage anyone reading this to cultivate this skill. Itās not about dismissing others but about prioritizing your growth and directing your life based on proven success and values you admire. Remember, being selective about your sources is a vital life skill that protects your progress and helps you achieve the outcomes you truly desire.
Amen š„°ā¤ļø