Wisdom vs Good Advice

When my friends said everyone was doing it, my mom told me to grow up first
When my girlfriend said I should try it, a teacher suggested I should think first
When my coworker said to do it, my mentor reminded me why not

What do all these have in common? Everyone wants good advice. We seek it daily. Which college do I attend? Should I marry this guy? Do I quit my job? Who should I vote for? What could be better than good advice? Good wisdom! 

I see good advice. I recognize it. It puts another step in front of me. But is good advice always good, long term? Has it been tested and proven in the fire? That's the critical test. My writing groups are filled will seekers. We want feedback on taking this path or that one. I've argued with many who simply have a different perspective. I can't change that. I can only seek to understand their point of view. But often, I'm baffled at how quickly a question is proposed and the responses are all over the map. When multiple paths are presented, which do you take?

Seek wisdom over good advice. Often times good wisdom is being sold in the "how to books." I get that these guys want to make a buck. But true mentors build into people. There is an old quote I love. Leaders don't build followers, they build other leaders. True mentors who love writing, want to build other writers who succeed. Here is what to look for if you are seeking wisdom over good advice. 

1) Listen to the people who have failed before they have succeeded. They have far more valuable stories to share.

2) Be careful of the writers to have one book to their name and a second book titled, "The Best Way to Write a Book."

3) Our elders have the wisdom of experience - if you don't agree with everything, you can still listen for a few nuggets of truth.

4) Follow the head, not the heart. Think smart, not with feelings. 

5) There are groups with experienced writers. Latch on to those the common voices before you listen to the rest of us who have opinions on everything.