Advice Or Input?

There's a big difference between advice and input. Find out what it is in this mini podcast.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.c

Transcript

Advice Or Input?

Are you offering advice—or are you offering input?

There’s a big difference.

If you expect the person to follow what you’re saying, that’s advice. If you’re just offering what you think might be the most productive course of action—with no strings attached—that’s input.

Advice tends to come downhill like an avalanche. You’re on the receiving end whether you want it or not. Input, on the other hand, is just there. You can take it—or leave it.

Now, if you’re a parent, let’s be honest. You’re probably offering advice, no matter how you dress it up. And advice, as most parents know, is rarely accepted.

Funny thing is, when we do accept input, it’s often because we’ve paid for it. Input, when paid for, is really just high-priced advice—without the expectation attached.

It’s easier to offer advice than input. Advice is simple: you decide what someone else should do—based on what you would do. And there’s the rub. Advice is usually more about you than it is about them.

Reminds me of a story . . .

When I was a teenager, my dad was always on me about my hair. Longer hair was the style then—but not in his world. It was a running battle between us.

One day we were driving somewhere, and sure enough, the topic came up again. After he made his case, I finally said, “Dad, I’m doing okay in school, I don’t get into trouble, I don’t do drugs, I’m home on time—what’s the big deal about my hair?”

And he said, “I’m embarrassed about it with my friends.”

That’s when it hit me. His “advice” wasn’t about me at all—it was about him. When I didn’t follow his dictate, it made him feel like he’d lost control—and he didn't want his friends to think that.

That’s the thing about advice. It’s controlling. If you’ve got a dog in the fight, you’ll bite to be right.

Input’s different. There’s no emotional charge behind it. It's calmer. Cleaner. Easier to hear.

You can tell advice from input by the words it carries. Advice is loaded with “should,” “must,” and “ought.” Input sounds more like: “Have you ever considered . . .?” or “I’m curious, what do you think might happen if you keep going that way?”

I’m pretty sure we’re not going to stop giving advice anytime soon—but maybe we can ask ourselves how often it actually works.

That one question alone might help us shift—just a little—from giving advice . . . to offering input.

All the best,

John