Dare To Live Without Limits

Consider the source when seeking vital information
You’re bombarded by information from endless sources on a daily basis. There’s the internet, television, newspapers, magazines, strangers, friends, and relatives. There is no shortage of opinions and ideas, along with supposed facts and advice as to what you should and should not be doing.
There is more information available today than ever before. Everyone has opinions and advice. So, who do you listen to? How do you separate information which is helpful, accurate, and relevant from that which is wrong, useless, or even damaging?
First, determine the expertise of the source of the information. What is their experience, education, and track record? Does the person have actual accomplishments or are they just a critic? Just because someone is in the media, has a web site, is the author of a book, is interviewed, or quoted, doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about.
Next, identify any biases or agendas the person may have. Are they pushing a particular point of view instead of being objective? A person who has a specific slant will only present information which supports their bias.
People you know personally as well as strangers will offer unsolicited advice, feedback or criticism about what you are doing, or want to do. Whenever you share your goals and aspirations with others, they may feel you are open to their input. Therefore, don’t share your plans with those you don’t want any feedback from.
If you are seeking guidance regarding your chosen path, look to those who are already where you want to be. You can learn a lot from successful people who have attain goals similar to yours. These people have proven, by their accomplishments, that they have valuable expertise and experience.
You want to find people who have demonstrated that they have the pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities which you are looking for. Study the path they have taken. Learn how they overcame any obstacles they encountered.
Ignore input from anyone who is not where you want to be. Although they may be well intentioned, if they have not done it, they can’t offer any meaningful advice as to what you should be doing.
Not all people have benevolent intentions. Jealous people may not want you to succeed. Subsequently, they may deliberately offer you bad advice. Maintain vigilance especially when offered unsolicited guidance.
To verify that information is worthwhile, look for three or more qualified corroborating sources. A qualified source is one that has the appropriate knowledge, background, expertise, experience and track record of being right. You also want objective sources without any hidden agendas.
There are several categories of people who warrant being listened to. Listen to your customers. They are very clear as to what they want and like. If you don’t take good care of your customers, they will go to any competitor that satisfies their needs. Don’t wait for customers to complain. Actively seek out their feedback.
Listen to your boss or supervisor. They will tell you what they think of your job performance. Since it’s true that most people don’t speak up until there is a problem, ask your management for their feedback on your job performance. Ask where you are performing well and what areas could be improved.
Making sure that you listen to people who have accurate, timely, and relevant information improves the effectiveness of your efforts along with your quality of life. Tune out anyone who does not meet these requirements.
Remember, when seeking advice concerning the best way to achieve your goals, look to successful people who are already where you want to be. Someone who has not achieved similar goals cannot show you how to get to your destination.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2022 Bryan Golden