Sunday, September 24, 2017
You're Your Own Best Friend
By: Donovan Baldwin
I wonder sometimes why people have so little respect for their own opinions, knowledge, and insight.
There is such a huge interest in "self help" and motivational books these days...and for decades.
People, seeking "answers", or, even, "the answer", will read book after book seeking truth, only to nod or shake their head in agreement or disagreement...and then go off and do what they want to...maybe even wanted to, from the start.
A lot of times, people, not you and me, of course...those "other" people, will start with a belief, and search until they find justification for their opinion. Once an "expert" is found who can back us up, we feel so much better about our choice to do or be whatever it was we wanted to be or do in the first place.
Actually, most of us have good sense, we just don't use it...or, maybe just don't trust it.
I've had friends and family come to me wanting help, or advice, on deciding which course of action they should choose.
My basic, "go-to", response?
What would YOU tell your child, your Mom, your Dad, your spouse, partner, best friend, to do?
Usually, if they give it a try, they come up with acceptable answers.
Most people won't treat themselves as if they are a "best friend", or, as if they have the "smarts" to give good counsel.
But, I think maybe they are wrong.
Right?
There is such a huge interest in "self help" and motivational books these days...and for decades.
People, seeking "answers", or, even, "the answer", will read book after book seeking truth, only to nod or shake their head in agreement or disagreement...and then go off and do what they want to...maybe even wanted to, from the start.
A lot of times, people, not you and me, of course...those "other" people, will start with a belief, and search until they find justification for their opinion. Once an "expert" is found who can back us up, we feel so much better about our choice to do or be whatever it was we wanted to be or do in the first place.
Actually, most of us have good sense, we just don't use it...or, maybe just don't trust it.
I've had friends and family come to me wanting help, or advice, on deciding which course of action they should choose.
My basic, "go-to", response?
What would YOU tell your child, your Mom, your Dad, your spouse, partner, best friend, to do?
Usually, if they give it a try, they come up with acceptable answers.
Most people won't treat themselves as if they are a "best friend", or, as if they have the "smarts" to give good counsel.
But, I think maybe they are wrong.
Right?
Labels: advice, best friend, donovan baldwin, friends, giving advice, life lesson, self help
# posted by Donovan Baldwin @ 9:30 AM 
