Avoiding Experts by Jim Stovall

In our modern-day, digitally connected world, we are confronted with an endless string of experts trying to deliver advice and information to us. I have long believed, and I often share, the idea that we should never take advice from anyone who doesn’t have what we want. Even if someone is an expert in one field, their expertise does not necessarily translate to another field.

I believe we would all yield to any information or advice LeBron James wanted to give us with respect to playing basketball, but his tips or pointers on rebuilding your carburetor may not be valid. When a self-proclaimed expert wants to give you advice, you need to get clarity regarding why they are giving the advice, what advice are they giving, and what qualifies them to offer advice on the subject.

We should only use experts to help us make our own decisions, and we should never take their advice as our final answer or conclusion in any situation. At best, experts may provide us insight on the state-of-the-art within their field. However, no self-proclaimed expert can ever provide expertise on your potential or the validity of your dreams and goals.

As a blind person myself and as the author of more than 50 books, I have become a voracious consumer of high-speed digital audiobooks. I find that most book reviewers’ opinions are often no more valid than yours or mine, but when a book becomes a bestseller, it has achieved acceptance within the reading public. This widespread recognition is the ultimate measure of any book. One of my favorite authors, Louis L’Amour—commenting on unfavorable book reviews—said, “I like to write the kind of books that people like to read.”

Receiving the National Book Award is among the highest honors an author can receive. I’ve always found it ironic and somewhat encouraging that in 1969, the National Book Award winner had been rejected previously by over 20 publishers. Thankfully, that very talented author decided to believe in his dreams instead of believing in 20 publishers.

As you go through your day today, consider the experts but follow your dreams.

Today’s the day!

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stovallauthor; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.