The Best Advice

The way we consume news has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. It was not so long ago that we tuned in to our evening anchorman to hear about the top story. Nowadays, we are likely to read a blog about a single research study published by someone only loosely affiliated with a particular outlet. In an era where news is mixed with opinion, and in which top 5 and top 10 lists abound, it has become increasingly difficult to sort the good information from the bad.

Take the example of diet. What do you think you ought to eat? Is vegetarianism the correct answer for a world facing environmental difficulties? Is a paleo diet our evolutionary birthright? Regardless of what you think about these types of questions we can all easily find arguments for and against any position with a few clicks of the keyboard. 

It is with this in mind that I offer some of the best advice I have personally been given. I do so with the open acknowledgement that these suggestions were offered as opinion rather than scientific fact. It is because of this, perhaps, that I lend them more credit. These life lessons don't masquerade as the truth.

On Health

I recently met a 91 year old man at the historic Timberline lodge on Mount Hood. He asked me if I had spent the morning skiing and when I replied in the affirmative he told me that he had been a skier in his younger days. "In fact," he said with a twinkle in his eyes, "I even climbed this mountain-- 6 times-- beginning in 1953!" 

When I asked him for his secret to a long, healthy life his answer was as simple as it was powerful: keep moving. He told me to make physical activity a regular, daily part of life. He wasn't suggesting that I join a cross-fit gym or shift to a stand-up desk; he simply meant that whatever your ability level, resources, or interests, you are physically activity. 

On Work

My co-author and collaborator, Todd Kashdan, once told me that he has clear criteria for work: he likes to take on a project if it offers opportunities for A)collaboration with inspiring people, B)opportunities for personal growth and development, C) the possibility to impact the world in a positive way, D)income. 

I like the idea that Todd has a clear rationale that can serve as a guide to say no to some projects and yes to others. But what about folks who have a job-- what about coal miners and taxi drivers and librarians? I think, with a little tweak, this advice still applies: at work you can deepen your relationships, develop yourself, consider your impact, and take home a pay check. 

On Dreams

Most folks know about Stephen Covey's time use matrix. He distinguishes between urgent and non-urgent tasks, and between important and unimportant tasks. Many of our personal aspirations-- getting a pilot's license, writing a novel, running a marathon-- fall into the important but not urgent category and, as such, get put on life's back burner. 

I recently had this same advice highlighted for me by my friend, the filmmaker Roko Belic (Happy). He said, "You will get prostate cancer, or be killed in a car accident, or live to a very old age. In any of those cases, though, you will die. You only have this time to do what is most important to you. The time you are most certain of is right now. That's when you should start." 

On Relationships

I'll admit, before I hit middle age I was something of a workaholic. It is easy to throw yourself into work that you value, that is challenging, and that others seem to admire. This is exactly why people have a hard time relaxing on vacation; it often feels purposeless. 

I have come to realize that much of that purpose we feel at work is rooted in social impact. We feel we are helping others or providing a valuable service. Humans are social creatures and-- in my opinion-- we miss too many opportunities to connect. 

Strike up a conversation with a stranger while waiting for a table at a restaurant, don't tell your kid "later," make a romantic date, call an old friend. Be there for your friends and family members when things go wrong and be there when they go right. Just be there. 

How about you?

What is some of the best advice you have received. Please post it to our Facebook site.

best,

Robert