Friday; August 11

The other day I was reading one of the online national media services and I discovered an interesting trend … they were giving me advice.  Rather than reporting the news, they were telling me to do this and not do that.  I realize that most of the advice was found in the “Opinion” section, but what struck me was that they giving me advice on how to live my everyday life.  Now, I am not naive enough to believe that the news media is pure news (I am not sure that it ever has been), but it did get me to thinking about who I allow to influence my decision-making.  Even if the print or electronic media didn’t try to shape my habits and behaviors there are plenty of others who are free with their advice on what I should be doing and how I should be living.  We are surrounded by sources of advice – actors, special interest groups, friends, politicians, preachers, parents, affluent business people and a multitude of others.  In all honesty, I can’t be too critical of those who want to give me advice, that’s their choice.  The thing that is important to me is the advice I accept.  Who will I allow to influence my life?
Have we given much thought as to where we are getting our guidance?  Opinions are everywhere – which ones do we accept?  As we process through the advice, here are a few points to consider:
1).  Does the person offering the advice share my values?  People advocate things that help them reach their goals.  If we don’t agree on what is important, I probably shouldn’t pursue their path.
2).  How successful has the person been utilizing the advice they are offering?  If their life is in a mess, why would I want to follow in their footsteps!
3).  What is their foundation?  Much of the advice that is given is derived from a self-serving agenda.  If they don’t have my best interests at heart, I should move on and listen to people who want to help me be my best.
          Think about it!

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