A few things happened in my life recently that made me think about the idea of giving and receiving advice. As we move through different phases of life, we often ask ourselves questions like: Is this the right decision? Should I make this move? What should I do about my relationship?

Like many of you, I’m sure there are times when advice gave you clarity and reassurance. Other times, you felt more confused and lost than before.

Over time, I’ve developed a few personal strategies for dealing with advice (whether wanted or not).

Take advice with a grain of salt

Advice often comes from someone else’s perspective and doesn’t always consider your unique situation. Ultimately, you’re the one who has to live with the consequences of your decisions. If the advice doesn’t work out, you will bear the negative outcomes not—the person who offered it.

Prioritise your happiness and wellbeing

When listening to advice, ask yourself: Will this benefit my wellbeing in the long run -spiritually, financially, socially or emotionally? If it doesn’t, think about what will support you in the long run.

Consider the motives behind the advice

Not everyone who gives advice has your best interests at heart, even if they mean well. I always try to consider why someone is offering a particular perspective, especially when it differs from my own feelings. Consider the following:

• Does this person have more life experience in this area?
• Do they want me to follow the conventional path?
• Are they trying to protect me from potential harm?

It’s okay to receive unwanted advice

Unwanted advice can be annoying, but it often says more about the person giving it than it does about you. Understanding this can make it easier to listen without feeling pressured to follow it.

Trust your judgement

Practice good judgment and listen to your gut! Advice can be seasonal – what works in one phase of life might not suit another. For example, every winter I feel the urge to dye my hair red. Then I try to reason with myself: Do I really want red hair even though its expensive and won’t last long ? This year I did reddish brown highlights 😅

Make decisions based on what you want, your values and what serves your situation. All the best ✨

Top of 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk – Dandenong Ranges