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Step 1
I have learned the hard way that even the experts whether they are doctors, lawyers, financial professionals, contractors, spiritual practitioners or wise folks in any profession, they are all just people. And people err. They are subject to their own foibles, bad days and limiting belief systems. Just like me.
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Step 2
DO, indeed, consult with experts and professionals. They DO have a wealth of knowledge and experience. But my personal advice is to listen to yourself as well. If something really doesn't feel right, don't just dismiss your feelings out of hand. First, check to see if your own fears or preconceptions are causing the resistance. And if that's not enough to account for how you feel, consider those feelings before rushing into action. Sometimes we still can be right despite all our blissful ignorance!
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Step 3
I almost lost my house to fraud because I followed the advice of a normally very sage real estate agent who really did mean well, though the advice felt inexplicably wrong. My mother still suffers the consequences of following the advice of a doctor against her own misgivings. Normally the doctor would have been right, but not this time. I have many more examples and I'll bet you have a few yourself.
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Step 4
Experts and professionals have a wealth of knowledge to guide us. But if you let your expert guide override what's in your heart (or 'gut'), you are selling yourself short. Whatever your beliefs, there does seem to be a "still, small voice" in all of us that will usually guide us well if we only stop and LISTEN!
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Step 5
When you override yourself, you are not honoring yourself. You are giving the power of decision in your life away to others. If the others are wrong, you get to feel angry and betrayed. If you listen to your own gut feelings and then proceed either following or not following the advice, you feel strong. And even if it's the wrong choice, you don't have to waste time with feeling victimized or filled with negative blame. Instead you can value the lesson you've taught yourself by finding out what didn't work.
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Step 6
*Decide the issues where you need help
*Find an expert or professional you trust
*Get advice
*ASK QUESTIONS -- even if you end up calling back later with them
*STOP
*Check in with yourself. Do you feel a strong resistance? Do you have a sense of knowing? Does the action feel 'right'?
*If there is doubt, do more research or get a second opinion
*Get to the point you can make your decision and feel strong about. There are no guarantees. But if you OWN the decision -- make it yours -- you will be in good shape to handle the consequences no matter what they are. You will have truly done YOUR best. You will take responsibility for the decision, the outcome and one more piece of your life!
Comments
vikki9 said
on 10/11/2008 Meditating also helps with information and clarity. Thank you.
Samanthe said
on 10/9/2008 This is a wonderful article that everyone should read and especially when they are young - they should take a class for it in school. Excellent.
jpwriter said
on 10/6/2008 Following that sense of knowing is so important. Great article.
RLRhodes said
on 10/4/2008 This is so true. Excellent article.
Sush56 said
on 10/4/2008 These are great advice for us to heed.