Before any big decision, find someone who has already walked that road. One conversation can save you years, money and nerves.
There is one principle that helps me enormously in life. It goes like this:
“Before doing something big or radically new, find a guide in that area and talk it through with them.”
I’m talking about big, important decisions or significant purchases.
Before moving into a new profession, taking out a mortgage, buying a new car, relocating to another city or making a similar choice, it makes sense to talk to people who already carry the experience you need.
I remember thinking about buying a Tesla for years.
But once I talked to two people who had driven these cars and they described their impressions in detail, I understood that a Tesla works well as a second car, when you have your own house.
Back in 2016 my team and I were building an interior photo studio in Nova Kakhovka. My partner and I decided to drive to Kherson on a scouting trip. We arranged a meeting with the owner of a similar studio and spent an hour asking every question we had. That trip saved us a lot of money, time, energy and nerves. We avoided many mistakes we would have made if we hadn’t talked to her.
On top of that, when you consult the right people and step into a new spiral of growth, you act far more confidently and decisively — because you already have something to lean on and you’re not walking blind.
I often watch people start a completely new activity, move to a new city or make abrupt moves (like quitting their job to become a crypto trader) without consulting anyone.
The Bible says that a person’s success comes through many counsellors. The wisest thing you can do at the start is to learn from other people’s experience and, leaning on it, make your own decisions.
Have you ever watched someone act carelessly and then regret it?