The Wisdom of Experience: Who to Listen to on Your Journey

​When charting a course toward a goal, whether it’s starting a business, mastering a craft, or pursuing a dream, advice comes at you from all directions. Friends, family, colleagues, even strangers on the internet all have something to say. But here’s a simple filter that can save you time, energy, and missteps: listen to those who have walked the path you want to follow, and tune out the noise from those who haven’t.

It’s not about arrogance or dismissing well-meaning opinions. It’s about recognizing that experience is the best teacher, not just for the individual, but for those wise enough to learn from it secondhand. Someone who has built a successful company can tell you about the late nights, the pivot points, and the mistakes they wish they’d avoided. A seasoned artist can share how they honed their style or broke through creative blocks. These voices carry weight because they’re forged in the fire of real-world trial and error.

On the flip side, advice from those who haven’t traveled your desired road often comes from a place of theory or fear. They might warn you of risks they’ve never faced or push you toward paths they find comfortable but you don’t aspire to. It’s not that they’re wrong in their own context, it’s just that their context isn’t yours. A corporate lifer might not grasp the chaos of entrepreneurship; a hobbyist might not understand the grind of going pro. Their input, however heartfelt, lacks the map you need.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore everyone outside your exact lane. Cross-disciplinary insights can spark creativity, and fresh perspectives can challenge blind spots. But when it comes to the nuts and bolts of your journey, prioritize the voices of those who’ve been there. Seek mentors, read biographies, study the successes and failures of your trailblazers. Their scars and triumphs are your shortcuts.

In a world drowning in opinions, selective listening is a superpower. Find your guides among those who’ve walked the path, and let the rest fade into the background. Your destination deserves that clarity.

- ​- Kevin and Amelia Schwers are business owners in Ankeny, Iowa, focused on long-term business growth and community impact.