Why Is It So Hard to Follow Our Own Advice?

By Delia Rubio

The other day, I was listening to an episode of "Anything Goes" by Emma Chamberlain. She was reflecting on how often she gives advice to other people but rarely follows it in her own life. That got me thinking: what advice do I give that I never actually follow myself?

Within my group of friends, I often end up being the one they turn to for advice. I think it’s because I love learning and trying to make sense of why things happen the way they do. I’m also someone who feels things deeply and really enjoys listening to others, which probably helps.

But here’s the funny part: with all that knowledge I’ve gathered, I hardly ever apply it to myself. And I realized it’s time to start listening to my own words more. So here are some of the pieces of advice I truly believe in but often forget to live by:

1. Everyone is on their own journey

We all move at different paces. Everyone has their own timeline, so don’t compare yourself to others; you never really know what’s going on in someone else’s life. And if someone gets lucky, be happy for them. Don’t let jealousy creep in; instead, let their success inspire you.

Make peace with the idea that what’s meant for you will find you, as long as you keep putting in the effort to become the best version of yourself. If someone else has achieved it, that means it’s possible, and so can you. At the same time, remember to listen to your body and take time to rest. Life unfolds like chapters in a story, and it’s important to stay present while writing your own, rather than obsessing over the past or the future.

2. You have to take care of your body

Your body is your temple, it’s the one thing that allows you to do what you love, and it’s the only one you’ll ever have. Treat it like something sacred: fuel it with nutritious food, move it to grow stronger, and give it rest when it needs it.

If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the strength, energy, or confidence to chase your dreams. Loving yourself starts with taking care of the vessel that carries you through life.

3. Most people’s reactions have nothing to do with you

A lot of the time, people project their fears or insecurities onto others. Most people are mainly focused on themselves, so when they act negatively, it often has little to do with you.

For example, if someone says you don’t deserve a job or an opportunity, it’s often just their own frustration speaking, they might be upset that they didn’t take action to get what they wanted.

The best you can do is be a good person, care for the people around you, and not take things too personally. Understand where others are coming from, notice their true colors, and then decide if you want them in your life or not.

This is just a glimpse of the advice I often give to others. But when I stopped to reflect, I realized how rarely I follow it myself. Maybe you’ll find a little piece of wisdom here that helps you too.

And now, it’s your turn: reflect on your own advice, and become your best muuz.