All Advices are Actionable, but NONE of them Work
Advices are generalized, they do not diagnose a problem deeply or relate directly to a pain point. Lemme Explain …
Lemme explain, with an example :
(it’s a weird, cliche-type example but it does the work I guess)
“I struggle with memorization for exams and I want a solution as I wanna pass”
:) lol. but yeah, that’s a problem, a real pain point. I do wanna “pass”.
→ So when I look up on the internet. I get loads of scientifically proven “study hacks / how to study for exams” tips.
But, they are useless.
They are all actionable.
But I am never gonna take action.
Here’s why Actionable Advices don't necessarily lead to Action
Let’s say you tell me “active recall” is a good method to improve memory and retain information longer until my exams.
But I won’t act on it because it feels like some extra work. I’ve never done it before, and I don’t know if it works. I am just unwilling to change for something I don’t understand.
What if it really doesn’t work? What if I waste my time? I could just spend time crapping up stuff instead!
Legit Logic bro!
(It’s stupid but from my ignorant POV, it is legit.)
So here’s how you approach telling things which work — (but not as an advice) :
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Advising in a way which doesn't feels like another Advice
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First you should “yourself” KNOW WHY you are telling me that.
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Then, It ideally, should be personally < tested >.
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Then, you need to articulate the source of the saying, the reason behind it, it could be just sharing your experience, or atleast pointing in a direction even without being mechanically detailed.
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Let’s continue the “active recall” example:
I came across a person at a point who explained me why it works, he told me -
“Listen this is how our mind works, and you can observe it for yourself. You remember what you recall, you recall what you remember. So any information that you wanna remember for the long term, you have to recall/use it long term.”
“That’s why when you do active recall, you recall the information again and again while studying and hence it’s sustained for the long term.”
“Just notice that in your everyday life, even non-academics, the information you use a lot, stays in your head. check it for yourself.”
The “check it for yourself” — “observe it for yourself” — this gives immense confidence. You do not have to trust the advice, and you don't have to test it for weeks. I can test it right now or refer to my past experience, try it a bit — 1 day, 2 days. That’s it. I will know if it works. If it does, it will save me the pain of doing it wrong — “for the rest of my life”.
THIS IS LIFETIME LEVERAGE.
Conclusion
ALWAYS tell the WHY when you tell WHAT (advice). Only then HOW (action) matter.
This is the way you take or give advice.
And this is the way it would 100% work, disclaimer: atleast has worked for me!
And this way the listener will 100% take action, always!, check: o_o lemme know if it fails o_o. Just kidding. I can't guarentee 100% tbh, but it has worked in my observation. Try if for yourself. :)
DONE.
Bye.
