I have a fairly strong motto: keep moving forward. I consider myself a shark when it comes to business and lifestyle; I die if I stop moving. (We. all. do.)
On my pursuit of moving forward in life, who do you think I ask for advice? My family? Friends? Old professors?
More importantly, who do you ask for advice when your pursuing success or trying to move forward in life or work or academia?
If you put yourself on a line where failure is behind you somewhere and success is in front of you somewhere, where are those in your life who you are asking for advice stand? It’s not judging, it’s assessing. If you want to be successful, you have to assess your team.
A likely response is that they are right beside you. The people next to you on the line are the people you are asking for advice on pursing success. One question for you: if they knew how to move forward on the line, don’t you think they would already be forward on the line?
I not only ask where on the line those in your life stand, but also ask where you stand on the line. If you want to pursue success, it’s best to take advice from those who are ahead of you on the line, not beside or behind. Knowing where you and everyone else is on the line (and what success actually means to you) are the roots of learning how to become successful with the help of others.
Quick note: It’s not that good advice never comes from those beside you or behind you, from family members or enemies; it’s simply better not to take the chance when so many people in front of you are ready and willing to help you keep moving forward.
Lastly, remember you don’t need to leave anyone behind. Simply move forward and then extend back a helping hand.
Stay Positive & Please Don’t Die Standing Still (Or Asking Advice From Those Who Are)
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Thornton Wilder had a theory of friendship in “Theophilius North” that suggested every whole and balanced man needed three friends younger than he, three from his peer group, and three who are older. I’ve applied that to my career, more or less, seeking to have three proteges, three peer friends, and three mentors at any one time. People rotate in and out of the starting lineup based on events, needs, self-development, or the passage of time. It’s been good.
That is absolutely brilliant! I will test it out.