Who's Got Your Ear?

Not many of us really think about whose advice we allow into our lives.  It would probably surprise us if we actually took stock of who truly influences our decisions.  So, if I can offer a small bit of wisdom that I learned early in my college days, I’d be happy.  I use this bit of advice almost on a daily basis, because it’s become ingrained into my very being.

So, what is this little piece of wisdom?

1.    Decide where you want to go, what type of person you want to be, and what it is you want to achieve. 

2.    Evaluate and list those that surround you, inspire you, and speak into your life.

3.    Decide who in your life that encompasses the traits and characteristics that will help you achieve the goals listed in Step 1.

4.    Separate from those listed in Step 2 that does NOT encompass those traits and goals.

5.    Put your decisions into action.

This may separate you from your closest friends and family members, but the choice is yours alone.  Do you want to stay where you are, surrounded by who you already know, or do you want to move forward? It may be selfish to apply this into your life, but YOUR life is YOUR life; and it can’t get more selfish than that.  If you’re a true friend, you’d want your friend to be successful and achieve their dreams, but the reality is that most of us are not true friends.  We surround ourselves with people that make us feel comfortable and better about ourselves, only rarely taking their feelings or aspirations into account on occasion. 

Ask yourself these simple questions:

1.    From whom should I take marital advice?  Someone divorced several times or can’t seem to sustain a long-lasting relationship or someone who’s been married to the same person for several years and survived through several storms?

2.    From whom should I take financial advice?  Someone in bankruptcy or in debt up to their ears or someone who’s started from the bottom and worked their way to the top, who offers opportunities to others, and who gives more than they receive?  Do you want to be rich or poor?

3.    From whom should I take spiritual advice?  Someone who doubts, who switches their faith with every whim, is swayed by every new fad or someone who stands firm on their faith in the midst of storms and among rainbows?

4.    From whom should I take writing advice?  Someone who runs wild with every new idea, but never seems to finish them, who believes their fellow writers are their competition and rivals instead of friends, who thinks themselves part of the artistic elite, filled with elitist snobbery and is above self- promotion and marketing, or someone who pushes through their labor of love, believes in themselves, and their talents, and takes their time to pour into others the wisdom and knowledge that have poured into themselves?

People like to talk.  People like to give advice.  But consider the ‘actions’ of those whom you allow to sow words of wisdom into your life.  If they only SAY, but never DO, then perhaps you should find DOERS instead.  Surround yourselves with people to whom you admire, respect and who encompass the traits, successes and character of the person you want to be. Follow someone who stands on their path and doesn’t allow their emotions to lead them with every whim, but always steps forward.  Follow someone who has heart, who cares and loves success in others, who will pour out continually as they receive.  Follow, as you learn to lead. 

I’m learning to apply this bit of wisdom into my own life.  I’ve recently

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray