Throughout our lives, we might have given and received thousands of advice over the years. Can you recall the best piece of advice that you have received and have given to others? Sometimes we take the advice when we think we can benefit from it, and other times, well, we just simply do the opposite.
Seek advice from mentors and choose your mentors wisely. When we were young, our first advisors were our parents or guardians. When we started to attend school, we spend most of our time with our friends and teachers, so our decisions are often influenced by them. However, there should also be a time when we should choose who to approach to ask for good insights and that’s where our mentors come in.
The Unsolicited Advice
When others hear about your problems, sometimes they would be compelled to give you advice even if you didn’t ask for it. How do you react to unsolicited advice? If you receive suggestions from others, it’s best to keep in mind that they should be taken with a grain of salt. Try to keep an open mind and see the positive side of things. Besides, most of the people who offer support genuinely mean well anyway. This might sound tough, but instead of feeling offended and defensive, it’s a lot better to listen. Politely acknowledge the advice. Showing kindness and appreciation can definitely go a long way.
The Advice with Criticism
When you get unsolicited advice, some of them may contain criticisms. While the comment might feel like a punch in the face, constructive feedback can also be beneficial. When others point to us our weaknesses, they are actually giving us the opportunity to develop and improve ourselves. Yes, it’s really hard to hear criticism but when we learn to handle them the right way, we could accept and use them to our advantage. Take note of the most important lessons learned.
Know that in the end, you are the one who have the power to take action. You can reflect upon the suggestions you hear from others. Filter the advice you get. When you feel that they are already crossing the boundaries, don’t be afraid to speak up and say that you appreciate their thoughts but unfortunately, it just doesn’t apply to you then move on.
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