Why the Best Advice You'll Ever Ignore is Everyone Else's

“When it's most scary to jump, that is when you jump.” — Chris McCandless, Into the Wild

Over the last few years, I've come to realize that just because something works for others doesn’t mean it'll work for me—or for you. We're all unique, with different jobs, relationships, circumstances, and goals. Yet, the advice most online gurus offer often sounds absolute: they've found "the secret," or the "one true way" to succeed and build something meaningful. But in reality, they've simply discovered what works for them.

Last week, I officially formed an LLC. For years I've been working as a freelancer in social media marketing—a sole proprietor. Imagine it as the digital equivalent of a neighborhood kid mowing lawns, just online, helping businesses grow their social media presence.

Taking this step was terrifying because it pushed me into uncharted territory. But I've learned that the right timing isn't dictated by an online expert's timetable—it's dictated by your own internal compass. I probably should have established an LLC years ago, but back then, I was still experimenting, learning, and figuring out what resonated with me. Only when I hit a wall—realizing I couldn't scale further without building a team—did I finally decide it was time to jump.

I reached a point where the only path forward was through fear and uncertainty.

This principle isn't limited to business.

Take fitness, for example. A while back, an awesome fitness trainer online generously offered me free coaching. It was a great opportunity, so I accepted—but deep down, I wasn't truly ready for change. Eventually, I stopped following the program. It wasn't about the training or the person—he and I remain friends—it was about my readiness.

Then came the day when I realized I was done: done being overweight, done living in a way that no longer served me. That was when I made the jump. I hired a trainer, and yes, reaching out to admit I needed help was terrifying—but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard captured this feeling when he wrote:

“To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.”

I write this as a reminder that your timing is the only timing that truly matters. You decide when you're ready—not someone else.

In the words of psychologist Carl Jung:

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

Trust your readiness. Trust your instincts. When the jump scares you the most, that might just mean you're finally ready to leap.