A couple of weeks ago I watched a DVD where the speaker, Jeff Walker, made a comment that almost knocked me out of my chair.

Well, I am a bit "unco" (unco-ordinated) at times :-)

The funny thing was that Jeff said it as kind of an aside. Yes, he was making an important point... but the way he said it was so matter-of-fact that I wondered how many people really "got" it.

So what did he say?

He said (and I'm paraphrasing): "most people don't have what they want, so don't do what most people do!"

Which you can also interpret as: "most people don't have what they want... so don't take their advice!"

Think about it.

Most people hate their jobs. So why do we listen to their advice about work and careers?

Most people don't have financial security, let alone wealth. So why do we consult with financial planners who are mortgage or rent "slaves" just like us... or, even worse, listen to friends and family who are barely paying off their mortgage, rent and credit card payments, let alone have financial security or wealth?

Most people aren't as healthy as they'd like to be. In fact, in countries like the United States and Australia, most people are overweight. So why do we take the advice of people who have been on every diet or health program there is... but continue to struggle with their weight or health?

Don't get me wrong. There ARE legitimate experts out there -- people who HAVE done it or ARE doing it (whatever "it" is). There are people who have found a career or business they enjoy. There are rich professional financial advisers. There are others who wealthy, or at least financially secure. There are people who have been fit and healthy for years. And there are people who can clearly demonstrate their expertise in a given field.

Unfortunately, the legitimate experts are not the only ones who are willing to dispense advice about what we should and should not do. And they're probably not the ones who are quickest to give us advice!

The fact is...

Most advice comes from most people... and most of it is wrong!

So, before you listen, let alone follow, someone else's advice about something -- ask yourself: has this person achieved or are they achieving what they're giving me advice about?

If not, you're better off ignoring what they say (as harsh as that sounds) and finding someone who really is qualified to give you advice.