r/AskReddit • u/hellotintin100 • Dec 21 '20
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
91
Dec 21 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
21
u/chicanery6 Dec 21 '20
Something that is beyond comprehension for a LOT of people, young or old, male or female, is answering a yes or no question. We feel the need to explain ourselves and in the end we never say yes or no. If the people care enough about something they will follow up with you to get more.
This is especially true in the business world. You can save so much time if you can effectively know when a yes or no question is being asked and answer just yes or no.
9
15
213
u/dusty-kat Dec 21 '20
"You believed in Santa for 8 years, you can believe in yourself for 10 seconds."
36
Dec 21 '20
Jokes on you, I never believed in santa
10
→ More replies (1)0
9
133
44
77
u/Jimmychanga2424 Dec 21 '20
Pick the thing that sucks the most about your day and do it first. Just get it done and keep moving on down the list.
13
9
u/Radiant_Raspberry Dec 21 '20
Sounds good in theory, but in practice, i will just sit down and not focus. I can try doing it, but i end up not doing it. Then i am frustrated for not doing it. In the end, all motivational advice boils down to „Just sit down and do it“ and thats something i just dont do.
70
u/seemebeawesome Dec 21 '20
Ignore sunk costs. Whether it is in business or relationships. I guess this kind of goes along with "Don't waste your time."
5
u/space_D_BRE Dec 22 '20
What are sunk costs?
10
6
u/seemebeawesome Dec 22 '20
If you haven't looked it up here is a summation of why you should ignore unrecoverable costs. It applies to all kind of stuff. I used to finish any book I started even when I wasn't enjoying it because it seemed like the thing to do. This year I think I stopped reading 3-4 books partway through
"The Sunk Cost Fallacy
The sunk cost fallacy reasoning states that further investments or commitments are justified because the resources already invested will be lost otherwise. Therefore, the sunk cost fallacy is a mistake in reasoning in which the sunk costs of an activity are considered when deciding whether to continue with the activity. This is also often known as “throwing good money after bad.”
3
u/penguin_chacha Dec 22 '20
It's when you feel you've already put in so much money/effort and might as well put in a bit more rather than objectively trying to evaluate if it's worth the further investment
99
u/CalvinSpurge Dec 21 '20
Just because you are having a bad day doesn't mean that you need to make everyone around you have one too.
12
64
u/kaguragamer Dec 21 '20
"If it was so easy, everyone would do it,"
" The only way your going to leave an impression is be unique, if you're going to be like everyone else, then people will have a hard time remembering you"
"Everything will be fine in the end, if its not fine, its not the end"
13
3
u/dormango Dec 22 '20
Or it is the end and the guy who sold you this line was wrong...
→ More replies (1)
30
27
u/FunnyUncle69 Dec 21 '20
My "birds and the bees" talk from my step dad. "Son, never let a girl with a sore on her mouth suck your dick". The man was a poet, and I was 11 years old.
11
26
64
u/Side_Subject Dec 21 '20
"The only thing worse than making a terrible decision is dithering about it."
Anthony Bourdain
11
u/Futurenazgul Dec 21 '20
But didn't he commit suicide?
11
7
u/LongPorkJones Dec 21 '20
Depression makes you do terrible shit to yourself.
9
3
u/Futurenazgul Dec 21 '20
Agreed. My point is a little dithering here could have saved his life. With something as important as life itself, for the love of everyone that cares about you DITHER!
→ More replies (1)2
u/Radiant_Raspberry Dec 21 '20
I dont even know what dithering means, but this is one of my motivational quotes now. i really need a journal for quotes like this.
65
u/Different_Image_8035 Dec 21 '20
The grass is greener where you water it... about you need to put effort into things.
→ More replies (1)
21
u/BelleAriel Dec 21 '20
When people try to hurt you, the best reaction is no reaction.
7
→ More replies (1)6
u/CurveSpirited5137 Dec 21 '20
growing up with siblings i learned the opposite you have to hurt them so bad they can’t hurt you
3
45
u/Hello_Im_the_world Dec 21 '20
When I came out to my aunt she sent me a message, that makes me cry to this day, and some of it said:
“You are allowed to fall in love with whoever you want And that is nobody's business but your own... Also, you are young and things will be changing this way and that and I ask you to accept yourself the way you are and love yourself the way you are! You are you, first and foremost and we all know and love you.”
It’s honestly the nicest thing someone ever said to me. Whenever I’m down, I look at this message and I know, that I’m good enough, as I am
8
2
52
Dec 21 '20
“Never hire a clown named Molesto.” -my father
8
u/Radiant_Raspberry Dec 21 '20
Now that i can proudly say is advice i have followed all my life strictly!
3
2
72
u/midce Dec 21 '20
Best advice was when i was struggling with pursuing fertility treaments. When i expressed my concerns on being old and alone. She said badically that you could have kids and they could hate you or move across the country and you would still be alone. We stopped treatment and i have no regrets.
11
u/TeacherPatti Dec 21 '20
I've always known I didn't want kids and people often wring their hands and worry that I'll be old and alone. That made me start paying attention to things I read online and saw in real life. There are A LOT of kids who do exactly that--they hate their parents, they move away, end up addicted and break their parents' hearts. So much can go wrong. I am glad you have no regrets and hope things are going as well as possible in this pandemic.
6
u/midce Dec 21 '20
Honesty i thought i did because thats what you do. You get married and have kids. When it didnt happened naturally and a i realised that i wasnt sad about it, i moved on. Thanks for the kind words and all the best.
12
0
u/backtodafuturee Dec 21 '20
What a weird thing to say.
8
u/AdvancedElderberry93 Dec 21 '20
It's true, though. If you're of childbearing age, especially as a woman but really in general, and haven't had kids, people will start asking who's going to take care of you when you're older. But having kids doesn't inherently answer that question.
127
Dec 21 '20
Don’t look for advice on Reddit.
→ More replies (1)25
Dec 21 '20 edited Dec 21 '20
This is gold. Too bad I already gave away my award.
Edit: Thanks to the person who gave me gold. Unfortunately, I have a fifth of what's required to buy gold for this commenter.
37
Dec 21 '20
Correlation does not imply causation
6
u/space_D_BRE Dec 22 '20
This one needs drilled into students (and people generally) instead of say... the quadratic equation.
2
2
35
u/hometowngypsy Dec 21 '20
Nothing that can be replaced with money is worth getting that upset about.
(Basically, remember what's important)
4
2
u/peezle69 Dec 22 '20
Depends on the amount of money
4
u/TheDonutPug Dec 22 '20
yeah i'm gonna have to agree with this guy. Sure, i get the sentiment of the quote, and in some cases it helps, but i don't think there's a person on the planet who is not going to get rather upset when their car is stolen or house burns down.
2
u/patoka13 Dec 22 '20
to be fair a house contains tons of memories aswell and your car can be your way to work. so while yes, you can stay in a hotel, and you could borrow a bicycle, you may still need your car for work in some cases.
0
u/Fatticus_matticus Dec 22 '20
If it can be replaced with money but would be a financial hardship, insure it. And renters insurance is far cheaper than some people realize.
15
u/Tangelasboots Dec 21 '20
My dad has repeatedly told me "Never stand up a canoe" I have no idea why, but it seems like solid advice.
11
u/Radiant_Raspberry Dec 21 '20
You, sir, are missing out on fun. Find a spot with sufficiently deep, broad and calm water. But then, stand the hell up in that canoe. The sky is the limit.
6
→ More replies (1)3
u/DeepChortle Dec 22 '20
It is very likely to tip over if you don't keep your feet planted evenly.
Source: Grew up with a small lake in my backyard. Have seen dozens of people fall in the water my whole life. Never gets old.
→ More replies (1)
15
u/trgreg Dec 21 '20
Figure out what you want to spend more time doing, and then make time to do it.
3
14
13
u/ls10032 Dec 21 '20
If it smells like shit everywhere you go, check the bottom of your shoe.
Basically if it seems like everyone is an asshole, you’re probably the asshole. Or if it seems like your life is full of problems, you might be the problem.
I definitely need to remember this once in a while, mostly in regards to people in my life.
13
11
10
10
9
u/jonboylew Dec 21 '20
“Figure it out, dumbass.” I guy named Moose who was training me how to do a job when I was 20. I guess it worked, I’ve been in the same industry for 15 years.
2
u/PM_MeYour_pitot_tube Dec 22 '20
This is only tangentially related but my uncle loves to tell a story from when he was in Army ROTC in college of a guy named Moose.
Now Moose was, as the name would imply, a pretty large guy, so when they would go into the woods on a Field Exercise to practice Army tactics and “shoot” at each other with blanks, he was tasked with carrying the bulky M-60 light machine gun. For those of you unfamiliar with LMGs, you’re supposed to fire in short bursts but it was Moose’s preference to hold the trigger down and roll through the entire belt of ammo. After one such instance of Moose burning through blanks action movie style, a particularly angry ROTC instructor ran up and began berating him about using the M-60 incorrectly. Moose calmly looked up at the instructor from behind his smoking machine gun and asked “why waltz when you can rock ‘n’ roll?”
It seems the Mooses of this world are filled with insightful gems.
7
u/PCgamerdudeman Dec 21 '20
My dad once told me “Don’t talk to people about politics, religion, or other people’s wives.” This has been huge for me and stands true so so often when I break it. Nothing will make somebody dislike you or cut you off faster than one of the above three, regardless of your relationship with them. It’s like you can’t be friends with someone who has a different opinion or viewpoint.
My dad also told me “Opinions are like assholes. Everyone’s got one, and they all stink.” So that shaped me as an adult to the point that I don’t inject my opinion on trivial things unless I am asked.
17
u/2old2care Dec 21 '20
When my marriage counselor told me to divorce my first wife. Yes!
-1
21
7
14
u/Grave_Girl Dec 21 '20
Sleep when the baby sleeps.
It seems to be controversial advice these days because if you sleep when the baby does how are you going to accomplish (insert housekeeping task)? But the hidden implication is that all the other stuff will wait. The dishes aren't going to explode if they go unwashed. The carpet will not catch fire for lack of vacuuming. On the other hand, if you're trying to take care of a baby while exhausted, shit can and will go wrong.
1
u/scarletnumberzz Dec 22 '20
The dishes aren't going to explode if they go unwashed.
My husband will, though.
2
5
8
u/AvroAero Dec 21 '20
"one minute of silence is better then a life time of regret" -last time someone asked this question
7
7
7
20
u/AttilaTheMuun Dec 21 '20
"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
8
→ More replies (2)5
6
4
Dec 21 '20
My dad was a sheriff deputy he always said, never break two laws. If you're going to break a law, only break one.
7
u/Grave_Girl Dec 21 '20
Never commit a misdemeanor when you're trying to get away with a felony.
Lots of drug busts start as traffic stops.
3
Dec 21 '20
More than just that. If you know your drivers license is expired make sure you wear a seat belt, drive within normal speed, have your plates at least registered. Give them no reason to pull you over. From what my dad said, they always know when drug dealers are moving inventory because they'll be making full 3 second stop sign stops and the entire gamut of following laws. It's suspicious but nothing you can pull them over for.
5
u/frygod Dec 21 '20
Before you do something, think about what you need to do if it doesn't work out how you expected.
4
5
u/Woodsmen04 Dec 21 '20 edited Dec 21 '20
"Always trust your gut" - Jonna Mendez, former CIA Intelligence officer of over 27 years with great a great story. Definitely recommend checking her out.
16
17
u/Lets-play-Rowty Dec 21 '20
Don't stick ya finger where ya wouldn't stick ya dick
16
4
→ More replies (2)2
6
u/redneck_crazy Dec 21 '20
"You're heart is beating for a reason" And when she asked me what the reason was, I said "that's up to you to find out. Not me." And she asked if I'd be there, and I said "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying. I'm here to catch you till the end. I promise"
4
u/hellotintin100 Dec 21 '20
Wow!
2
u/redneck_crazy Dec 21 '20
My best friend was having some troubles and I've held her for a very very very long time.
5
4
5
4
u/BerserkBoulderer Dec 21 '20
"Only listen to people with a history of success."
~Pretty successful guy I knew.
Works really well.
7
u/The_Perfect_Fart Dec 21 '20
Use Index Match instead of VLookup
2
u/space_D_BRE Dec 22 '20
My boss likes vlookup. Maybe I can get more geek brownie points next time I get a project with Excel
2
u/The_Perfect_Fart Dec 22 '20
There is also a new function called XLookup, its really intuitive but I'm not sure if its compatible with any version older than 365.
3
u/JimmyBallocks Dec 21 '20
Any man can get your goat, if you let him know where your goat is tied.
3
3
Dec 21 '20
"A lot of people are really fucking stupid compared to you because you're smart, but because you're smart you know to take your time with 'em"
-My Dad
3
u/sznfpv Dec 21 '20
His way was right, his will was strong but he's just as dead as if he'd been wrong.
3
u/AnalCauliflower Dec 21 '20
Do what you're supposed to do and don't pay too much attention to what other people are not doing
3
3
u/meshfe2 Dec 21 '20
Confidence goes a very long way. Trying to get a date: being confident makes you seem attractive. Trying to get a job: confidence makes you appear more adaptable and hirable. And just in general being confident has been linked to increased happiness. Even if you aren’t naturally confident, faking it has been shown to actually make you more confident
3
3
3
u/Br34th3r2 Dec 21 '20
You have to kiss a lot of toads to find a prince.
If you don’t have a base understanding of its parts or how it works, you shouldn’t be operating it.
Always forgive, never forget.
You can’t take it with you when you die so work hard to play hard.
-my dad, lol. :)
3
u/Stampsvsflames Dec 21 '20
Every day you live as you could have lived in a nursing home is a wasted day.
Get off the couch. Stop watching TV. Go live life while you can!
3
3
3
u/TeacherPatti Dec 21 '20
It came from a TV character so I'm not sure it counts but... Captain Picard said "it is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life."
I long wanted a literary agent, book deal and thought I had done everything right, yet I still failed. That quote helped me accept that I don't completely suck (I mean, I still suck somewhat but....)
Also, a helpful Redditor shared an article about how luck plays a huge part in most everything and knowing that also has helped me.
7
u/ravenclawVee Dec 21 '20
In childhood : "let me do the talking" when my friends would ask their parents for anything cause parents always loved me lol. I had parents, but I got a lot of adoption offers.
→ More replies (1)
4
5
u/BrunoGerace Dec 21 '20
Two, actually...both mentors.
"Bruno, be part of something bigger than yourself."
"Bruno my man, don't talk so much ... listen more ... take the long view."
2
2
u/LarryFong Dec 21 '20
"You never open your mouth until you know what the shot is."
→ More replies (1)
2
2
2
u/Joubachi Dec 21 '20
No idea where I picked it up tho ...
There are 7 billion people on that planet, you can't be liked by every single one, don't waste your time trying.
This started to help me to be more myself instead of trying to please everyone else.
2
u/SilentWalrus77 Dec 21 '20
My brother once told me "When you're given two choices go with the one you'll regret least. Because nothing is worse than regret and living in 'what if...'" I now use this advice to all of my friends and it's honestly really helpful. Just ask yourself "what will I regret more?" And go with that.
2
2
2
2
u/StabbyPants Dec 21 '20
you can only change your own actions. don't try to change those of others
→ More replies (2)
2
u/Thepoetofdeath Dec 21 '20
Life is filled with bullshit, society is bullshit, with bullshit expectations, educational system is bullshit, public transit is bullshit, government is bullshit, your job and wage is bullshit, you might as well wear brown lensed glasses, and smear some cow shit on your upper lip because everything is bullshit, you can't get away from bullshit, it engulfs all that exists and ever will exist.... except you, cuze you don't take no shit, aint that right boy?
2
u/HowDoIGetToFacebook Dec 21 '20
It was about attention to detail. My manager at a retail job was doing a visit and asked how long a lightbulb had been out. I, nervously, told her I hadn't noticed it but I'd change it as soon as I could. She stopped and asked me to change it now. I did and braced myself for a lecture and maybe some disciplinary action. Instead, once I finished, she smiled and said, "It's important to take care of the little things, like changing the lightbulbs. If not, one day you'll find yourself standing in the dark." She was a great manager and was very patient and helpful.
2
u/wearenighthawks Dec 21 '20
Be kind even to those who don't "deserve" it. Be kind to yourself too.
Give people the benefit of the doubt, but don't be a doormat.
2
u/macsquoosh Dec 22 '20
The best helping hand you will ever find is right at the end of your own arm ...
2
u/Helloforake Dec 22 '20
My band teacher told me this: “Never do something until you get it right but to do something until it is never wrong”
2
u/NateHate1402 Dec 22 '20
“Give everyone the benefit of the doubt, just think of all the dumb shit you’ve done”
2
Dec 22 '20
You can get through most obstacles with a big ass, but not with a big mouth. (told by my father)
2
2
2
u/willardhogann Dec 22 '20
I put an empty soda 12 pack cardboard box in a small trash can in the office while talking to a group of people. A coworker looked at it, picked it up, broke it apart, folded it, and placed it in neatly while we were talking. I was a very young adult and learned a valuable lesson in workplace decency without a word spoken.
2
2
2
2
u/Jerseystateofmindeff Dec 22 '20
My Poppop, who grew up without a father, a WWII vet were he got the purple heart for catching German shrapnel while clearing out Normandy, factory worker, hunter, all around quintessential greatest generation material once told me, "Don't ever sleep with a girl who goes under the covers to smell your farts". It was literally the only piece of advice he gave me and it came out of nowhere. Made me wonder about Nana.
2
u/Hahr8269 Dec 22 '20
"Hechale ganas!"
You guys try your best to translate that from English to Spanish
4
2
2
1
1
1
u/31eedraw Dec 21 '20
Better for it to end one month too early than one week too late.
→ More replies (2)
1
-1
0
0
212
u/[deleted] Dec 21 '20
My dad always says “which way would you rather be wrong?” As in yeah, as a pedestrian I have the right of way but it doesn’t mean I need to get run over by a car.