Why Is It Always Hardest to Take Your Own Advice?

Why is it always so hard to take the advice that we can so easily give to others?

When someone you know needs you to lend an ear whether it be on a relationship, a work problem, or just anything at all - the advice that you are able to give just comes so easily.

But, just because you give them the advice in hopes that they will follow it doesn't mean that they always will. Things are always easier said than done, and many times we don't recognize that until we are put in a similar situation ourselves.

Relationship advice for example; it's one of the easiest things for me to give advice on. I listen to what people tell me and put myself in their shoes and then I give them the advice that seems most fitting for their circumstance. And I've always wondered why people continuously ask for the advice if they never end up actually taking it? I don't tell people what they want to hear, I tell them the truth and what they need to hear.

It's not until recently that I've realized that the advice is so easy to listen to and agree with at the time, but when it comes to following through with it - that's the hard part. No one ever notices how difficult taking their own advice can be until they are in a situation that causes them to do so.

While talking to my mom tonight about a situation she asked me "what would you tell a friend in this situation? You always give great advice… Now take your own advice."

Turns out, it's easier said than done but sometimes the only thing left to do is think about the advice you would give another person in your situation, and then take that advice yourself. I guess sometimes theres just no other choice.

She is a paradox

I stumbled upon this quote and thought long and hard about the meaning of it — mainly because I think it applies so much to myself. I analyzed it long and hard and came to the conclusion that when people tell me "I'm confusing" they are actually right. I have a good idea what I want out of my life with my schooling and my career. Other than that, I'm just enjoying the ride. I don't have to have everything figured out right now and I'm coming to the conclusion that that's okay. Many times people in their fifties still don't have everything figured out.

I'm always faithful to the ones I love and the ones close to me but regardless, I never like to get too close. The words "I love you" are thrown around so often these days and I don't understand how. I still have a hard time saying it to the people I have known for years and truly do love. It's just a tough thing to let out of my mouth. It makes you vulnerable, and that's scary. I have no problem committing to people but I have to be one hundred percent sure that it's the right thing. If it isn't, isn't it just a waste of both of our time?

I break down, just like everyone does (hence the gentleness), but I never let anyone see that. I keep moving forward. That's how I like to live my life.

I like to enjoy the good and embrace the bad because everything is a lesson learned even if it is unpleasant or a not so good decision.

You have to be a pretty good person to put up with me but I guess the ones that stick around are the true ones in my life or they just don't have a choice (haha). I'm a paradox and pretty unpredictable — but I'm okay with that.