While most of the advice we get from people is usually great, not all of it is. In fact, some of it’s more fool’s gold than real gold! Let’s look at some popular life rules & why they’re so awful. Who knew something inspirational could actually be setting us up for failure?
Always Trust Your Gut
“Go with your gut” might sound cool but your gut isn’t always accurate. In fact, it can actually lead you astray sometimes so it’s better to mix a bit of thinking with that gut feeling. You wouldn’t trust everything that other people say—why are you doing the same with your instincts? Take everything your stomach says with a pinch of salt instead.
Never Give Up
“Never give up” is the kind of advice you see on gym walls and while it’s great for pushing through a difficult workout, it’s not always the best strategy. Sometimes, quitting is far smarter. Knowing when to throw in the towel can save you time & heartache that would be better placed elsewhere.
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Follow Your Passion
The phrase “Follow your passion” has been romanticized to the moon and back. But in reality, not all passions pay the bills, even though it’s fantastic to love what you do. It’s also okay to have a job that funds your passion projects on the side. In fact, the thing you’re passionate about could be better as a hobby than a career!
Ignore the Haters
On one hand, you don’t want to let negativity drag you down. On the other hand, not all criticism is “hating” but rather valuable feedback that comes off a little abrasive. Listen, sift through the noise—and find the gems of useful advice that are hidden among the criticism. It could actually help you out!
Money Can’t Buy Happiness
We’ve all heard “money can’t buy happiness” and it’s partially true—happiness isn’t sitting on a store shelf next to the cereal! However, money does make life easier since it can buy comfort & security. These definitely contribute to our happiness! As such, you should think of money as part of the solution rather than the whole thing.
You Can Be Anything You Want
As kids, we’re told we can be anything—astronauts, presidents & even unicorn trainers! But as we grow up, reality kicks in to show us that life is full of variables. What we want changes and we sometimes discover talents in areas we never considered. As such, it’s okay to adjust your dreams based on what’s actually possible & fulfilling for you.
Happiness Is a Choice
Telling someone they can just choose to be happy is like telling someone in a rainstorm without an umbrella to “just stay dry.” Of course, your attitude is important but there are also so many other factors, like mental health. Happiness involves more than simply flipping a switch. You should still try to stay positive whenever you can, though!
Live Like There’s No Tomorrow
Spontaneity is fun but living like there’s no tomorrow leads to questionable choices. Enjoy yourself sometimes—as long as you remember to plan for the future too so you can avoid any bad decisions. You need to find that sweet spot between enjoying the moment & not sabotaging your future self. A little foresight goes a long way!
If It’s Meant to Be, It Will Happen
The idea that “if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen” is way too passive for our liking. Relying on fate to deliver your dreams without putting in the work is less likely than you winning the lottery. Why? Because you’ll achieve your goals & dreams through taking steps. Lace up those shoes and start making moves toward where you want to be!
You Must Forgive to Move On
Even though forgiveness is powerful, it’s not the solution to everything since everyone heals differently. For some, forgiveness is freeing—for others, moving on might involve something else entirely. It’s okay to acknowledge that some things might be unforgivable to you and that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Instead, you’re going to find peace in your own way.
No Pain, No Gain
In life, you don’t need to constantly struggle to be successful, so why suggest “no pain, no gain” when you’re working out? Taking a rest & knowing your limits is just as important as putting in the effort. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout—that’s no good for anyone, so take the time to rest occasionally.
The Customer Is Always Right
Anyone who’s worked in customer service can tell you that “the customer’s always right” is an utter lie. Yes, we should work hard to provide great service—but not at the expense of our sanity. Instead, the goal should be mutual respect & understanding. Never bend over backward to please someone at your own expense!
Keep Your Enemies Closer
“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” is the most exhausting kind of life advice. Instead of focusing on your “enemies,” why not spend that energy on building positive relationships? Life’s too short to play games and doing so takes away from the joy of genuine connections.
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