Some thoughts on advice quality and some advice I typically give people.
Advice Quality
Of all the advice you will receive from people, (including the advice in this post!) the quality of that advice will break down approximately like this:
You will receive lots of advice from lots of people over your lifetime. Half if it will be either harmful or just a waste of time. A good chunk will be useful in some contexts and a small bit will actually be excellent.
Bad Advice
This is probably most seen when you get advice from a relative, like an uncle or in-law. They give advice that meant something when they were young and doesn’t have any bearing on the current situation. Whether it’s the value of college or how to own a home or get a job. People do not generally understand the differences between now and 20-40 years ago.
Be wary of this kind of advice. You will end up being resentful of the relative and ultimately be further from your goal.
Waste of Time
So much advice sounds good, but is actually a waste of energy, resources, and time. Anything is usually better than nothing, but that doesn’t make all advice useful. I was going to call this category “Neutral” but time is irreplaceable and advice that is neither good nor bad, still wastes the most precious commodity: Time.
Somewhat Useful
It’s hard to tell what the quality of particular advice you receive. Often, it will be decent advice, but it isn’t going to move the needle very much. In other words, it won’t hurt, but it’s not going to help much either. This is better than nothing, but be careful it actually is useful and not a waste of time.
Great Advice
Once in a while someone will give you advice and you will probably ignore it. Then decades later, you will say, “Shit, that was good advice.” How do you know when it is good and when it’s bad? Unfortunately, the answer is hindsight. You will only know when it’s too late.
Some advice (hopefully great)
Disclaimer: All advice is free and accurate as of Sept 2026. Advice may go bad at some point in the future. No returns or refunds.
1. Optimize for your future self
Simply put: Don’t try to make your current self happy. Instead, make your future self happy. You will be your current self for just a brief moment. But you will be your future self for a long, long time.
Working out protects your future self. Working long hours or working for a boss who sucks (but you are getting paid really well) is worth it. One day, financial independence will mean everything to you. Don’t worry about how happy you are in your 20s.
2. Change is constant
An object in motion tends to remain in motion along a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.
— Isaac Newton
People have a tendency to think things will always be the same. Stock market goes up, wealth inequality widens, etc. A good (albeit LONG) video called “Line goes up” is really interesting to watch. Ultimately though, lines do not always go up (or down). Your boss will not always be bad. Your job will not always be soul sucking. Your kids won’t always be little. Security turns to insecurity and back.
Plan your life with the thought that things change and you can’t count on tomorrow being like yesterday. It’s also helpful to know that bad times won’t always be bad.
3. Think Different
If everyone is going one way, consider going a different way. When everyone is going to college, then try a trade school or even just jumping into the workforce. If everyone’s portfolio looks minimalist – go maximalist. Stand out in a crowd. Differentiate yourself. Being like everyone else will give you no advantages. You are the only YOU in the world. Don’t try to be someone else.
I think this is especially true right now, when the world is flattening out. More than ever, having a unique point of view is valuable. Cultivate what makes you different and lean into it. This is especially difficult advice to take when the entire world does the opposite.
See disclaimer above, but it is still the advice I give.
I could continue but I think 3 is plenty for today. I don’t want to strain my brain too much before lunch. Good Luck!
Whatya think?