“Speak less, listen more,” an old saying goes. Initially one would imply that it means listen more to others.
For a long time that is how I took it and I did what I thought was right, which is to listen to others more. But as I kept growing, I realised how sometimes the more I listened to others, the more I got confused about the matter at hand. On many occasions, two or more people will tell you the same thing but each has their own views attached to it. The stronger their views, the more confused and torn they make you. People have different views and so do you and again survival of the fittest concept apply to this scenario. If you do not stand your ground when people give you their opinions, you will be thrown very far on the wrong side. I believe everyone has the right to have their views and opinions and voice them whenever appropriate. So it is not people’s duty to filter what they say to you, it is your duty to filter what and how much you take in.
Someone will tell you that you have to work hard to become successful, another will tell you to work smart to be successful, and the next will tell you to make the right connections to be successful. All these three people could be right and speaking from their personal experiences. But what you have to realise is that your life is not about imitating anyone else’s. Your experiences and circumstances are unique to you and not like anyone else’s ever. Hence in your attempt to avoid getting confused by what people tell you, start by trusting yourself. There is none who wants the best for you than yourself and hence the best advice is that of your own. Many times we know what is good for us, we just do not trust ourselves enough or we are not ready to take responsibilities. We then seek advice from another party so we can hold them accountable if we get stuck in the process. Acknowledge that you are a capable person who can make decisions and mostly importantly be ready to take responsibilities of your actions and the results produced thereof.
Whenever you are faced with a situation, there is always an instinct that comes with a good feeling. Your feelings are there to guide you. You can fake your feelings on the outside but there is always that real feeling that you have when you are alone in bed at night; that is the feeling you are supposed to listen to. Most of the time, that feeling is compassionate, caring and considerate of others. Be genuine and stand up for what feels right and do it the best way you know how. Every person has their own way of doing things and yours is not wrong or less important. If you feel bad about doing something, then do not do it; if it feels right, then it is most likely to be right.