5 Pieces of Advice

Throughout life we have the fortunate circumstance to come across those people who offer you inspiration that becomes etched in our minds.  That inspiration often comes in the form of advice.  Whether it be a story, a scenario, or their actions they all offer a lesson.   Out of all of the advice that I've received thus far in life there are few that stand out.  Today I decided to share five bits of advice and the people who gave them  that have helped me through life (thus far) in general.

1.  Knowledge is powerful but be careful as to where you acquire knowledge.

-Deb (that's my mom)

A very powerful message because, yes you may know a lot, but how many of those things are actually  void of deceit.  There are entities out there whose main goal is to deceive as many as they can so you really have to evaluate not only what you found but also where you found it.  The origin of knowledge plays a bigger role in it's truth than most people give it credit for.

2.  Know the difference between being productive and being busy.

-Erica 

 You may have numerous items on your agenda but how many of them are actually propelling you towards your goals?  In today's society we equate being busy with being important but if you're not accomplishing anything then it's not relevant.

3.  State the facts but always tell the truth.

-Missy

If you are a genuine person then why wouldn't the things you say be genuine.  Your words are of utmost importance, aside from your actions, which are what others base you credibility, reliability, and integrity off of so don't blow it by telling people what they want to hear.  Do not compromise your values for the sake of someones feelings.  They came to you for the truth.

4.  Life is equally unfair for us all.

-Julie

Guess what?  You can't win them all and that's life.  Does it make it any less painful?  Nope, but it's the truth.  So why is this a piece of advice?  Simply because complaining about it's unfairness is going to get you nowhere but seeking a solution will.  If you know that life is unfair then you might spend less time complaining about it and more time doing something about your situation.

5.  Be careful, but if not then go all in.

-Terrell 

Okay the actual quote went... 'Be careful but if not then f*ck it'.  My friends always have a way of putting things.  His point was that if it's something that you really truly deeply believe in then by all means put your best effort behind it.  He wanted me to be careful but he also wanted me to pursue my dreams.  His theory was that if it's worth it go after it, but in the event that you fail then it was worth the ride (and it had better been one hell of a ride).

Well folks that's it, valuable (or what I consider valuable) advice from great minds.