TURNING ADVICE TOWARD YOURSELF

Being a good parent, a good friend, or a good mentor isn’t about passing down knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.

Put aside everything you think you know. Don't give advice. Instead, assume you know nothing and let the other person teach you something new. Listen with open ears, without waiting for your turn to speak.

Pay attention—what is the other person actually saying?

If you listen only to give an answer, to offer advice, then your words won’t hold much value. Listen to understand. Learn through them.

Still itching to give advice? Fine. Take a pen and paper, write down what you would tell them. Then, step away.

The next day, go back and read what you wrote.

Now, ask yourself—how much of that advice are you actually living by?

And if you aren't following your own words, are you really in a place to tell someone else what to do?