Advice is potent stuff. I used to think I had to use all of the advice I received but now I realize that is not the case. When it comes to advice, consider the source, your life experience and what you need to do. Take a look at my list of worst advice ever and think about what you might add.
Never buck management – I received this advice in high school and it stuck with me all through college and through my first job. I heard those words in my head whenever I disagreed with a decision. At the end of my TV stint an anchor criticized me for never questioning the news director’s decisions. That’s the moment I realized that this “advice” to never buck management came from management. It was more of an order than advice. Thanks to my realization I express my opinions much more often.
Failure is not an option – I discovered it is wise to take a look at the whole situation before believing in this statement. Last fall the company I worked for fell on tough financial times and we looked for solutions often saying, “Failure is not an option.” I realized sometimes failure is an option and that it can teach you something and can also be a blessing in disguise.
Marry rich – My fiancé says if this is what I’m thinking, I’m in for a rude awakening. And then he laughs. I’ve known a few people who have followed this advice and they’re not happy.
Clean your plate – As children we were tricked into eating our vegetables with promises of membership to the “Clean Plate Club.” Today, plates are double the size and restaurant portions can feed two or three people. If you hear a voice in the back of your head saying, “Clean your plate,” tell yourself it’s okay not to listen to the voice if you are full.
You can hold it – That advice usually never ends well.
Take the path of least resistance – I’ve heard people say if it’s not easy, it’s not meant to be. I go back and forth on that one. I choose to take the path that’s in the middle of “least resistance” and “treacherous” and it seems to be working.
These are the best years of your life – someone once told me that about college. My mom laughed at me when I called her and said, “If these are the best years of my life, I’m in trouble.” I have many great memories but I would not consider those years the best years of my life. There’s still so much yet to come.
Relationships are easy – A girl I knew gushed about her new husband and how easy their relationship was to maintain. She said they never, ever fought and life was perfect.
For years I thought there was something wrong with me. “This isn’t easy!” I thought. Then I realized the couple’s personalities were completely opposite; I was not her and I wasn’t dating people with the personality of her husband. I’ve come to realize that relationships take time, care, patience and maintenance, no matter if it’s with your significant other or friends.
The “worst” advice is based on my experiences so far. You are entitled to your own opinion. After all, you shouldn’t take my word for it.
What’s some of the worst advice you’ve ever received?