Unactionable advices
Advice, unless it’s about something very specific, isn’t always practical.
When someone says, “You should buy groceries today because we’re out of food for the week,” that’s useful advice. It’s clear, specific, and actionable.
On the other hand, we often come across advice that’s broad and vague — things like “It’s never too late” or “Good things take time.” While these phrases may sound wise, they rarely offer clear steps to follow. Interestingly, they’re often contradictory too.
Think about it. How many times have you heard phrases that, despite sounding sensible, directly conflict with one another?
- “Be content with what you have” vs “Dream big”
- “Take it slow” vs “Seize the day”
- “Look before you leap” vs “Just do it”
For nearly every generic piece of advice, there’s a contradictory counterpart that somehow feels equally valid.
Perhaps the reason behind this paradox is simple: generic advice isn’t meant to be instructions to follow step-by-step. Instead, it’s a reflection of the person giving it — it’s their experiences, their regrets, and their hopes. What worked for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Yet, despite their ambiguity, these phrases still have value. Generic advice can comfort someone, offer hope during tough times, or give someone a gentle push in a different direction. When you’re exhausted and burned out, hearing “Take it slow” might give you permission to rest, while someone hesitating at a crossroads might find motivation in the simple phrase: “Seize the day.”
Ultimately, advice is deeply personal. Maybe the best advice of all is simply: “Don’t always listen to advice”. No one knows your life better than you do. In most cases, you’re the only person truly qualified to decide what’s right for you.
So, trust yourself.
You do you!