Who to Follow?

We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are. – Anaïs Nin

There is so stinking much advice out there. There is a platform out there that just about anyone can get an audience in. I know that platform as I use it, so this is a tough post to put up. But, if you’re not careful, you could be caught in going in one direction, read someone’s advice, and then move in another direction altogether the next day. Its hard to know who or what to follow. It’s hard to disseminate which path is the right one.

The simple answer?

Follow your own intuition. Follow your own path. There are few filters I use when doing my research and learning from others.
– Does this align with my vision and purpose the way I see it?
– What historical context does the person or article have in the content? What experience? How recent?
– Cost? Time and/or money?

There’s a belief of course that no one including myself is trying to lead you astray. What is important we hope, is that you can find something, even a piece, that can help you be successful. I’ve learned so much from my peers professionally and personally, online and offline, taking pieces that work for me to build my plan. The key, my plan, not theirs.

I’ve adapted so many best practices I feel like at any time I can open a virtual tool box to pull from at any time for any situation that presents itself. That’s the point. I follow my own path still. I just use the tools others have exposed me to, at the best times they can be used, to reach my optimal self.

There is no delight in owning anything unshared. – Seneca

The above quote says it all. Everyone just wants to share because it feels great to share your wisdom on down the line. Is there something in that share that we believe is the answer to everyone’s needs? Sure. As the sharer, that’s what we hope, but not what we have the naive egotistical belief as truth. We just want to help. That’s the delight. It does no one any good to keep it to ourselves. I wouldn’t be here today writing this blog a year later still, if it wasn’t for all I took from others and feedback I learned along the way.

Strive for progress, not perfection. – Unknown

Progress in the race of life is all anyone really wants. To have an impact. To know what you read and what you adapt can propel you further. If I looked for perfection in every step of the way I’d be miserable. I’ve failed so much along the way, trying to be perfect would be exhausting. I’m a fan of failing forward and learning. Some of my worst crashes have been epic, and they sucked. The best learns where the ones I tried that others had mastered. Once the pieces fit or didn’t, what did I learn?

Follow your own path. I don’t believe any human has come up with a recipe that solves everything for everyone. You have to take parts of what others do, adapt it, and test it. Adopt what works by making your own recipe for success. Learn how something works and doesn’t. Be agile.

Thanks for the platform and the opportunity to learn. I hold this opportunity to express and find expression extremely dear. I’ve learned a lot from all of you. I hope in some way this year’s posts, can do the same for you.

✌🏻 Shawn