What can we learn from the advice: 'Don't give advice you wouldn't follow'?
Category: Business Psychology
Last Modified: 3/8/2025, 5:39:00 AM
Stop Overthinking, Start Doing: Mastering the Art of Self-Applicable Advice
Are you tired of hearing endless advice that sounds good in theory but falls flat in practice? Do you find yourself dispensing wisdom you wouldn’t dare follow yourself? It’s time to stop the charade and focus on the only advice that truly matters: the kind you’re willing to live by. This isn’t some touchy-feely self-help; this is about building a real empire, brick by bloody brick.
This principle – 'Don't give advice you wouldn't follow' – isn't just a platitude; it's the cornerstone of genuine success. It’s about aligning your words with your actions, your principles with your profits. It’s about walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
Step 1: Brutal Self-Assessment: Are You a Fraud?
Before you start dispensing wisdom, take a long, hard look in the mirror. Are you truly living the life you preach? If you’re advising others on time management but constantly miss deadlines, you’re a fraud. If you’re teaching others about financial discipline but drowning in debt, you’re a fraud. Identify your weaknesses and address them before offering solutions to others. This isn't about perfection; it’s about integrity.
Step 2: Eat Your Own Dog Food: Practice What You Preach
The most effective way to test your advice is to implement it yourself. This is about real-world application, not theoretical musings. If you’re advocating a specific marketing strategy, use it in your own business. If you’re suggesting a new sales technique, try it before you try to sell it to someone else. This hands-on experience will refine your advice, transforming it from empty words into actionable strategies.
- Example: Let’s say you advise others to network aggressively. Before you tell anyone else to do it, you need to go to networking events, make connections and show them that you're succeeding because of this.
Step 3: The Feedback Loop: Refine Your Approach
Once you've put your advice into practice, analyze the results. What worked? What didn’t? This is where the learning really happens. Don’t be afraid to adapt and adjust based on your experiences. The feedback loop is critical for constant improvement. This isn’t about being right; it’s about being effective.
- Key takeaway: Always measure the results. Numbers don't lie. If your approach isn't working, change it. No excuses.
Step 4: Authenticity Trumps Everything: Be Real
People can spot a phony a mile away. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful interaction, whether in business or life. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Embrace your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and be brutally honest about your journey. This genuine approach will resonate far more than any polished facade.
"Fake it till you make it" is garbage. Real success comes from honest work and genuine effort.
Resources:
- Journal
- Spreadsheet software
- Business books
- Mentors
- Networking events
Conclusion: Execution Over Excuses
Stop wasting time on theoretical advice that doesn’t translate into real results. Stop giving advice you wouldn’t follow yourself. The path to success is paved with action, not empty words. Mastering self-applicable advice isn’t about perfection; it’s about commitment to continuous improvement. It’s about living your brand. Are you ready to start living the life you preach? Don't wait for the perfect moment; create it. Start now.