The Best Advice
It’s a Trap!
How To Give Advice
The Answer, if someone asks you if x is a good idea, is "No".
Don't get me wrong. It does feel good when someone confides in us. The gratification can be toxic.
Being asked for advice is a trap.
Want to know why advise stinks?
Because people only make a change if they want to. In truth, you cannot make anyone do anything.
In a world that is mostly free and just, we have the benefit of making choices, and those choices have led us precisely to where we are.
Who is to Blame?
If you, the advisor, told me, the advisee that it was a good idea to start that business, then it is the advisor's fault that I failed because it didn't turn out in my favor, right?
There lies the fallacy of blame insurance.
A person who asks a thousand people's opinions before they act usually does so to blame those who offered their advice when they fail.
So what do you do if somewhat asks?
The answer might seem crude, and honestly, it is. The best thing that you could do for someone who seeks advice is to be discouraging , "No, I don't think it will work."
Tell them their idea is terrible, it will never work, and there is no point.
Benefits may include:
1. It is unlikely that person will come to you for advice again
2. You get to practice the art of saying no gracefully
3. You provide the advisee with the most valuable feedback.
The Devils Advocate 👹
By saying no, the advisee will have to argue their case for why they think it is a good idea.
This subtle trick is the best gift because you are offering the first roadblock.
If they cannot get past this minor hurdle before they even start, then when the going gets tough they will be more resilience.
If the person gives up on the idea, they did not want it bad enough.
P.S Using this answer is challenging, and cannot be applied in every circumstance