This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information.
This article is from a Series
of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to
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TOP TIPS
Everyone
needs good advice, now and then. No matter how independent we think we are,
there comes a time when we need to call on someone else's opinion. The problem
is, not all advice is equal. As often as we get good advice, we receive bad
advice. If you want to make sure that you are getting good advice, here are
nine tips that will help.
1. Figure Out What Advice You
Need
You
can't get good advice if you don't first admit you need it. Figure out what you
need advice about. Focus on things like big decisions you need to make or areas
of your life you are struggling. It's important to know what kind of advice you
need, so you can narrow down where to look for it.
2. Find Someone Who Has
"Been There Before"
A
great way to get good advice is to find people who have accomplished what you
want to accomplish. For example, if you want advice on what type of law you'd
like to practice, it makes sense to find some current lawyers to chat with.
3. Reach Out to Your Most
Trusted Friends
Friends
and family are great places to look for good advice. The main benefit here is
that you will know their expertise. The other benefit is that a loved one will
do their best to give you good advice because they have your best interests at
heart.
4. Make Sure Your Target Wants
to Give Advice
Be
wary if you approach someone who doesn't seem comfortable giving you advice. If
they are annoyed by your request or don't want to share their expertise, you
might end up getting bad advice. They might not even do it on purpose. A person
who doesn't want to give advice might say whatever is on their mind to get rid
of you.
5. Consider People's Potential
Biases
When
you are seeking good advice, it is important to consider any biases the
advice-giver may have. A perfect example is getting relationship advice from
someone who just got out of a bad one. They might have your best interests in
heart but can't separate the bitterness of their situation from their advice.
6. Ask More Than One Person
There
is nothing wrong with getting more than one person's advice. After all, if a
doctor gave you a diagnosis you were concerned about, it's natural to ask for a
second opinion. Sometimes you will find the best solution when you take bits
and parts from everyone's advice.
7. Take Advantage of Your Current
Resources
Depending
on where you are in life, you might have some helpful resources you can reach
out to ask for advice. In school, you might have a favorite teacher or guidance
counselor. Your work might offer you a chance for mentorship. If you go to a
gym, you might have access to a personal trainer.
8. Do Your Own Online Search
If
you don't have anyone to reach out to, you can find a lot of great information
with a Google search. The problem is, you need to figure out what to trust. It
would help if you learned the Hierarchy of Evidence. Without boring detail -
clinical research trials are near the top, and random memes from Facebook are
at the bottom.
9. Be Willing to Offer Your
Own Good Advice
This
point might seem like a strange addition. After all, you want to get advice,
not give it. However, giving good advice is a great way to encourage others to
help you when you are in need. The more people you give good advice to, the
more people who will be willing to give you the best advice possible.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
a) Where
could you use some good advice in your life? Make a list of everything you
could use some advice about.
b) Look
at your list, and think about where to get the advice you need. Do you know
anyone with expertise in these areas? Match up the advice you need with people
already in your life.
c) Do
your own search. If you had any areas of advice that didn't match up with
someone in your life, do some online searching for your own answers.
FURTHER
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