When it comes to navigating life’s complexities, I’ve learned one fundamental truth: find someone who genuinely knows what they’re talking about and ask them for directions. This simple principle has guided me through countless decisions and has been instrumental in my success.
Too often, we try to figure everything out on our own. We spend hours researching online, watching YouTube tutorials, or worse—taking advice from people who have no real expertise in the area we need help with. This do-it-yourself mentality might seem admirable, but it’s actually a massive waste of time and resources.
The Power of Specialized Knowledge
I’ve built my approach around seeking out true experts in specific domains. For tax matters, I go straight to Andrew. When real estate questions arise, Eddie is my go-to person. These aren’t random choices—these are individuals who have demonstrated mastery in their respective fields.
This targeted approach to seeking guidance offers several advantages:
- It dramatically shortens the learning curve
- It helps avoid costly mistakes that beginners typically make
- It provides access to insider knowledge that isn’t readily available
- It builds valuable relationships with experts in various fields
The quality of advice matters tremendously. Getting directions from someone who has already walked the path you’re about to embark on is invaluable. They can warn you about pitfalls, suggest shortcuts, and share insights that might take you years to discover independently.
Beyond Words: Observing Actions
For family advice, I used to turn to my mother. Since her passing, my 89-year-old uncle has become my guide. But here’s where many people miss the point: I don’t just listen to what he says—I watch what he does.
Words can mislead, but actions rarely lie. My approach involves observing how my uncle has lived his 89 years, noting the patterns that led to his successes and failures, and then adapting those lessons to my own circumstances. This combination of verbal advice and behavioral observation provides a more complete picture.
I take what works, discard what doesn’t, and always aim to do better. This selective learning approach allows me to stand on the shoulders of giants without repeating their mistakes.
Find somebody that knows what they’re talking about and ask them for directions.
The Humility to Ask for Help
Perhaps the most crucial element in this equation is having the humility to ask for help in the first place. Many people—especially successful ones—struggle with this. There’s a misguided belief that asking for help signals weakness or incompetence.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In my experience, the most successful people are often the quickest to seek guidance. They understand that time is precious, and learning from others’ experiences is simply efficient.
I’ve found that asking for help accomplishes three important things:
- It accelerates your growth and development
- It shows respect for others’ expertise and experience
- It builds meaningful connections that often lead to opportunities
These connections have been instrumental throughout my career, from my time as CEO at Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment to my current role as Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute.
Creating Your Personal Board of Advisors
Over time, I’ve essentially built a personal board of advisors—specific people I turn to for guidance in different areas of life. This approach has saved me countless hours and helped me avoid numerous pitfalls.
I encourage you to do the same. Identify the areas where you need guidance, find the true experts in those fields, and don’t hesitate to ask them for directions. The shortest path to success is rarely the one you forge alone.
Remember that expertise isn’t always about credentials. Sometimes the best advice comes from people who have simply lived through what you’re facing. My uncle’s wisdom comes not from formal education but from 89 years of lived experience.
The next time you face a challenge or decision, resist the urge to figure it all out yourself. Instead, find somebody who knows what they’re talking about, and ask them for directions. Your future self will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I identify true experts worth seeking advice from?
Look for people with a proven track record in the specific area you need help with. True experts typically have years of experience, demonstrable results, and often a reputation within their field. Don’t just focus on credentials—pay attention to what they’ve actually accomplished.
Q: What if I don’t have access to experts in my network?
Start by expanding your network through industry events, online communities, and professional organizations. Many experts are accessible through social media, podcasts, or blogs. You can also consider formal mentorship programs, paid consulting, or even cold outreach with specific, thoughtful questions.
Q: How do I balance taking advice with making my own decisions?
While expert advice is valuable, the final decision should always be yours. Gather insights from multiple sources, consider how their advice applies to your unique situation, and trust your judgment. Remember that even experts can be wrong or have biases based on their own experiences.
Q: Is it appropriate to ask for free advice from experts?
For quick questions or occasional guidance, many experts are willing to help. However, respect their time and expertise—consider offering something of value in return, even if it’s just sincere gratitude or sharing how their advice helped you. For more extensive help, be prepared to compensate them appropriately.
Q: How important is it to observe actions versus just listening to advice?
Actions speak louder than words. While verbal advice provides valuable insights, observing how someone actually lives or works often reveals more authentic lessons. The most complete learning comes from combining both—listening to what experts say while watching what they actually do in practice.
