The Importance of Questioning Everything

Everyone wants to give advice. Sometimes we ask for it. Sometimes it’s just given. But how do you know what advice works and what doesn’t? It’s important to question everything instead of blindly applying everything you hear or read.

For example, if you are looking for advice on the perfect publishing platform. You ask around and get ten different answers. Each one tells you that this platform is better than that one for assorted reasons. Now you’re more confused than ever. How do you know which one to choose? You must question everything. That begins with research.

Do your own research. When you need advice on how to do something or some other problem, do your own research. It’s fine to ask others but you should take it with a grain of salt. Use Google or ask experts or however you need to find the answers.

Research the person giving the advice. If they are giving you publishing advice, for example, find out if they have published a book or if they simply work for a publishing company. What makes them an expert?

Find what works for you. When you do your research, you may come across conflicting advice. You may have to do some trial and error until you find what works best for you. This might mean you have to do things more than once in diverse ways, but you want to find the ways that work for you.

Don’t be afraid to ignore advice that doesn’t feel right. Imagine a close friend gives you advice, in good faith, but you don’t resonate with it. You might feel conflicted by the information and only want to follow the advice, so you don’t hurt their feelings. Keep in mind that just because something works for others it doesn’t mean the advice will work in your situation or with your specific audience.

Follow your intuition. Remember when you were young, and your parents told you to do what felt right? That’s what you need to do when it comes to advice. Be true to your values, to what’s important to you and doesn’t keep you awake at night worrying about whether it’s right or not. Your instincts will tell you what is the right and what is leading you in the wrong direction.

When given advice of any kind, ask yourself these questions:

  • “Do I take this advice?”
  • “What more research do I need with this advice?”
  • “Is it right for me?” “Does it feel right?”
  • “Does this person really know what they are talking about?”

Consider their advice, when someone gives it. Then sit with it. See how it feels. And if something feels off, just ignore it. Allow your feelings, instincts, and your mind help you weed out the bad and embrace the good advice.

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