When facing a tough choice, it's natural to seek counsel from friends, family, or mentors. They can offer new perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and share their own experiences. This is an essential part of safe decision-making.

However, there's a danger in asking for advice. You might be tempted to outsource the decision itself, hoping someone else will tell you exactly what to do. This is risky because no one else has the full context. They don't share your unique values, priorities, or risk tolerance.

How to Ask for Advice Safely:

• Ask for perspectives, not answers. Instead of "What should I do?", try "What am I not seeing here?" or "What would you be concerned about in this situation?".
• Separate the information from the recommendation. Listen to their reasoning and gather the facts they present, but reserve the final judgment for yourself.
• Consider the source. Is this person's advice colored by their own biases or experiences in a way that doesn't apply to you?

Ultimately, you are the one who will live with the consequences of your choice. Gather all the input you can, but make the final call yourself.