GETTING GOOD ADVICE

Advice is something that most people give us for free. We get it whether we asked for it or not. However, advice is not something that is a zero priced good. Advice is spiritual in nature but it translates into the visible world. Advice is wisdom put into action. There are two types of advice, good and bad. Most people will take bad advice because they do not have to pay for it. Most people do not consider that paying for advice can end up saving them money in the long run. This is what most people do not consider, the long run, and thus, the reason for them not seeking good advice.

We live in a world with a highly specialized division of labor. We have to realize that we are limited in our abilities. We cannot be everywhere all at one time, nor can we do all things at one time. We are so limited that multi-tasking is a misnomer. We can only think of one thing at one time and since our attention is limited, we can effectively only perform one task at a time. This is why it is imperative to narrow our attention to becoming proficient in a minimum amount of tasks.

It is wise to recognize our limitations. We simply cannot do everything. There are things that belong to God alone and man must recognize who he is. Living in an age when God is relegated out of His universe that He created has allowed man to attempt the impossible of playing God. Of course, man has failed and demonstrated foolishness rather than wisdom. This condition is not going to change any time soon.

There are reasons why people cannot get ahead. While everyone has an opinion on the recent AIG bonuses (which I do not care anything about), they do not stop to consider their own financial house. They demonstrate their envy rather than trying to get their lives in order and advancing their cause. They want to pull others down rather than expending the effort to raise themselves up.

One of the main reasons people do not get ahead is because they do not seek good advice. Good advice usually comes at a price. People want good advice. The catch is is that they want it without having to pay for it. A situation where this is so is being a doctor. When someone finds out you are a doctor, they want free medical advice. The same for an attorney or accountant. Of course, the proper response would be, "I would be glad to give you advice. Here is my secretary’s phone number. Call her and set up an appointment." This would stop free advice seekers.

Good advice is not a zero priced good. The old adage that you pay for what you get is still true today. The wealthy have a bevy of advisors. They realize that they cannot know everything and that it is wise to seek good advisors. Those who could use the services of advisors do not. They get their advice from co-workers, family, and friends. Not that some of these may have good advice at times, just remember that you may not be getting the specific advice that you need. Advisors have answers that others do not possess and you must pay them for what they know.