Following Advice

Advice and decision making is one of those things you just have to do. Make lots of choices. The more choices you make the more you'll understand what decisions were smart, which were stupid, and why each idea matured or evolved the way it did. Here are a couple quick tips if you're stuck.

1. If you parents or someone that cares about you suggest something that doesn't take a lot of effort is legal and isn't going to unravel your master plan. Do it. We often get tunnel vision and small tweaks can go a long way toward improving our lives. You don't have to agree, instead of arguing save your energy and just get whatever it is done.
2. Listen for hesitation when asking for advice. No one wants to rain on your parade. If you're making a major life decision and three or more people hesitate before answering, rework the plan. 
3. Keep your hand out of the cookie jar. If your only reason for not following advice is "that doesn't get me what I want," maybe it's time to figure out a plan to get something similar, better and more lasting. Better to take the pain of not having something or someone upfront than the devastation caused by your crazy plan blowing up in your face.
4. Look it up on the Internet. There are lots of people that are smarter than you.
5. Sleep on it. No good decisions are ever made in the wee hours of the night.