Why Context Matters in Advice

It's important to recognize that our lessons in life are not identical. Advice that benefits one person in a particular situation may not necessarily be helpful to another.

We are often drawn to the guidance of influential people; those we perceive as successful. This isn’t inherently bad. Having role models and seeking wisdom from others can be valuable. However, it’s crucial to put advice into perspective and consider how it applies to your unique circumstances and experiences.

For example:

• Someone raised in a wealthy home might offer financial advice that a person from a less privileged background simply cannot implement.
• A person born in a country with global mobility might share travel insights that are irrelevant to someone restricted by geopolitical barriers.
• Those who grow up in loving, functional families may provide relationship advice that doesn’t resonate with someone who has experienced familial dysfunction.
• A person widely considered attractive may share confidence tips that feel disconnected from the reality of someone struggling with self-image.

The key takeaway is this: Before taking advice, assess whether the background, circumstances, and experiences of the person giving it align with yours. If they don’t, you are under no obligation to follow it. Instead, filter advice through the lens of your reality and decide whether it is actionable for you.

This doesn’t mean you should never consider perspectives that differ from your own. On the contrary, sometimes advice from people with different experiences can be insightful. However, it must be evaluated with context. Ask yourself:

• Does this advice apply to my situation?
• Can I realistically implement it?
• Does the person giving the advice understand challenges similar to mine?

Many people experience unnecessary stress and emotional strain by attempting to follow advice that isn’t suited to them. When they struggle to achieve the same results, they may mistakenly believe they have failed, rather than recognizing that the advice itself was not a good fit.

Understanding the role of privilege, background, and situational factors can help prevent this. It allows people to be kinder to themselves, take things at a realistic pace, and avoid feeling inadequate simply because an approach worked for someone else but not for them.

Just as we should be mindful when receiving advice, we should also be considerate when giving it. Before offering guidance, take a moment to understand the other person's background and challenges. What worked for you may not work for them. Empathy is key; advice should be shared with awareness, not assumption.

So the next time you receive or give advice, pause and think: Does this truly apply? Context matters, and recognizing that can make all the difference.

Think about it. Consider context and keep winning!

-Ike