Most advice is useless. Because it is old or too general.

Ask yourself, how would they know?

This shows that the kind of advice that is helpful is that from someone who has recently been in your very situation.

So the longer it’s been, or the more specific your situation is, the less helpful the advice will be. That has certainly been my experience in asking for or giving advice, especially career advice.

What does this change?

  • I am feeling relatively more freed up to stop seeking advice and just blaze ahead more on my own.
  • I’m still looking for help!! But not seeking permission to start, or a silver bullet before getting going.
  • I seek out advice from people for whom I can answer “how would they know?”

I first heard this on a podcast with Henry Oliver , but I’m not sure which one.