A few months back, I found a quote that completely shifted my perspective on the influence of the company we keep and the advice we absorb
Take advice from unhealthy people, and you will become an unhealthy person.
Take advice from angry people, and you will become angry.
If they don’t have what you want, don’t listen to what they say.
We often are looking for guidance and advice from those around us – through our close friends, teachers, family, or strangers on social media. From personal growth, to career advancement, or navigating relationships, we constantly look to others for insights and direction. But have you ever stopped to consider where that advice is coming from and whether it’s serving your best interests?
This question has led me to reevaluate my perspective and come to the idea that it is so important to find guidance from people who have achieved what we aspire to rather than from those who haven’t. It’s made me question whether the advice I’ve been receiving aligns with my goals and values. Instead of taking guidance at face value, I now consider the source. Is this person living the kind of life I want for myself? Do they possess the knowledge, experience, and wisdom that I’m looking for?
We tend to cherry-pick our information and internalize the ideas we want to hear, even if it doesn’t serve you or help you in any way. This can apply to any aspect of your life- health, fitness, relationships, career, and personal development. In health and fitness, for example, we might gravitate towards information that promises quick fixes or validates our current habits, even if it’s not based on sustainable practices. This is a trap I fell into and it took me some time to recognize the detrimental effects of this behavior. By being more intentional about the advice I accept and the perspectives I internalize, I’ve been able to create positive change to improve these small aspects of life.
This also led me to realize that in today’s society, there’s a trend toward heightened sensitivity and the importance of acknowledging and validating individual emotions. There’s a fine line between healthy sensitivity and hypersensitivity. While it’s crucial to create safe spaces where people feel heard and respected, there’s a risk of creating a culture of victimhood and entitlement when every minor comment or incident is blown out of proportion. When every minor comment or action is interpreted to be offensive or a form of injustice, it can lead to a culture where individuals feel entitled to constant validation and affirmation. If we surround ourselves with those who blow setbacks out of proportion or take offense in every interaction, we risk absorbing similar patterns of behavior. It’s crucial to have a balance. We have to have resilience and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with strength and grace and understand that setbacks are a natural part of life
So, be picky about who and where you get your information/advice from and, just as importantly how you react to it.