Making Big Decisions: Should You Follow Someone Else’s Experience?
Every ambitious woman faces defining moments: career pivots, business investments, and life-changing choices. But when the stakes are high, it’s tempting to seek certainty by following someone else’s path. After all, if it worked for them, it should work for you… right?
Not always. Relying too heavily on someone else’s experience can lead you in a direction that doesn’t align with your goals, strengths, or values. While learning from others is valuable, the key to making big decisions is blending external wisdom with your own instincts. Here’s how to do it wisely.
The Benefits of Learning from Others
✅ Avoid Costly Mistakes
Studying others’ experiences can help you dodge common pitfalls and save time, money, and effort.
✅ Gain Strategic Insights
Hearing how others navigated challenges can provide fresh solutions and new ways of thinking.
✅ Leverage Expertise
Industry leaders and mentors offer valuable knowledge, giving you an edge in decision-making.
✅ Speed Up the Process
Using proven strategies can help you make informed decisions faster and with more confidence.
The Risks of Following Someone Else’s Path
⚠️ Your Circumstances Are Unique
What worked for them may not apply to your industry, timing, or resources.
⚠️ You Might Ignore Your Own Instincts
If you always rely on external advice, you may overlook what truly feels right for you.
⚠️ Missed Growth Opportunities
Making independent decisions—even mistakes—is essential for long-term confidence and resilience.
⚠️ Context Changes Everything
Market shifts, technological advancements, and evolving industries mean what worked before may not work now.
How to Make Big Decisions That Are Right for You
1. Get Clear on Your Own Priorities
Before seeking advice, define your non-negotiables:
What outcome matters most to you?
What risks are you willing to take?
What does success look like on your terms?
2. Seek a Range of Perspectives
No one person has all the answers. Speak to mentors, industry experts, and peers to gather diverse viewpoints before deciding.
3. Evaluate the Source’s Relevance
Not all advice is created equal. Ask yourself:
Does this person’s experience align with my industry or goals?
Are they offering facts or personal opinions?
Do their values and risk tolerance match mine?
4. Context is Everything
What worked for someone five years ago may not apply today. Always assess whether the advice is relevant to your specific situation.
5. Trust Your Decision-Making Ability
Advice can inform your choices, but ultimately, you are the one who has to live with them. If something doesn’t sit right - even if it’s “proven” to work—trust your instincts.
Final Thought: Own Your Decisions, Own Your Success
Seeking guidance is smart, but your most powerful decisions come from blending external insights with internal clarity. Learn from others, but don’t let their journey define yours. The most successful women don’t just follow the path - they build their own.
What’s the biggest decision you’ve made that went against conventional advice but turned out to be the right one? Share in the comments below!
