If you’re looking to train a dog, talk to people with well-behaved dogs.

If you’re looking to train a dog, talk to people with well-behaved dogs.

If you are seeking relationship advice, find someone who is in a healthy, committed partnership. 

If you’re in need of improve your health, work with people who are actually healthy.

If you are starting a business, choose mentors who have successful, long-standing companies. 

We could go on and on with examples.  

The bottom line- 

We have to be careful of who we are taking advice from, surrounding ourselves with, and what we are consuming.  Wisdom isn’t just found in words- it’s found in lived experience, integrity and results.

In a world of soundbites and reels, in a time where everyone proclaims to be an expert, we have to be discerning in what and who we choose to follow and sometimes the question becomes, what do we listen to or follow, who can we trust.

Scrolling through “experts,” listening to well meaning family and friends is all well and good but we have to have a firm understanding of who we are, what our beliefs and values are and what we want for our future before we can learn to pick and choose between solid advice and things that may be better left behind.

Whether you want to change your eating habits, create a healthier relationship, or even train your dog, have a vision for your end goal and make sure it is crystal clear. 

1. Envision the Outcome

What does success in this area look like for you?

How does it feel?  What do you want?

Write it down in vivid detail—your ideal health, relationship, business, or personal growth goal.

2. Chart Your Path

Break that vision into smaller milestones. How will you know you’re making progress? What practices, habits, and resources will get you there?

3. Align Your Circle

With your vision in hand, identify friends, leaders, role models, and figures whose own journeys reflect the direction you want to go. They should:

• Embody the values and results you’re striving for.

• Offer guidance and feedback that resonates with your path.

• Inspire and hold you accountable, rather than distracting you with someone else’s agenda.

• Be models to achieve what you desire

When your circle and your influences are aligned with your vision, every piece of advice becomes a stepping-stone toward your version of success.

Most importantly, don’t forget- at the end of the day, we have the answers we need within. Yes, it helps to use others as a sounding board, to watch the videos or read the books or talk to the people if we are looking to improve some aspect of our life or wellbeing.   But we have to get better at listening to our inner wisdom instead of following the voice of others blindly. Use these sources as a resource as you follow your own inner wisdom and path.  We don’t ever want to rely on external sources or validation for what we already possess. 

In the end, the most powerful guidance comes from those who walk their talk—and from the quiet wisdom within yourself.