Bad Advice: "Err on the Side of Caution"

On 09.10.09, In Collection of Thoughts, by Brenton

Image by r0adki11

Throughout our lives, we have all heard our fair share of advice. Do this, do that, DON’T do that, you can’t do that (whoops, that was a statement), I think you get and feel the picture. Far too many people (myself included) take advice from whoever will send it our way. But where has that gotten us? That is something very important we have to ask ourselves before we’re sure the advice you’re are taking is right advice for us. The absolute best way to decide if the advice given to you is right for you, is to…

First: Look at who is giving you the advice and ask yourself, “does this person have the lifestyle or results I want”.

Secondly: Take a second to access the advice and really understand the implications it will have on your life before you put it to use.

In my “Bad Advice” category you will be finding some of the more cliché pieces of advice we have received in our lives. I’m going to give you reasons why the advice is flat out awful if you are pursuing a meaningful life.

Bad Advice Part 1:

“Err on the Side of Caution”

I will admit, I have erred this direction far too many times. Where did it get me those times I erred? Some place nice and comfortable but far from exhilarating. Why do people give this advice? Because our society promotes pragmatism to an unhealthy extent. We are conditioned to this the safe route is the noble route…I think history’s finest will contest that notion. Here are a few example of where “erring on the side of caution” will leave you:

Stuck in a job you don’t like because the other opportunity was too risky.
Siting alone while you can be meeting some interesting people.
Not speaking to a potential client because you’re not ready.
Not launching that special project because of the lack of sufficient funds.
Lonely, because you couldn’t pull the trigger and talk to that good looking person across the room.
Standing alone off the cliff because the water may be too shallow to jump into (just making sure you’re awake).

The majority time, the “risky” route is more rewarding then settling on the cautious end of the fence. Next time you receive the advice to be safe and not sorry…ask your self…how sorry is sorry? The worst may not be that bad