Whenever I make an important decision, I like to get the opinions of many key people in my life. While other people’s thoughts help orient my perspective, I’ve found that if you get too many external opinions you start to drown out your own. Too many conflicting perspectives can be just as paralyzing as none at all.
I still believe that gathering data is helpful, but data from others should be treated as what it is: secondhand. Everyone has their own opinions shaped by their own unique life experiences, and they may not map perfectly to yours. Your own data will always be the best: you know what you’ve liked and disliked in every experience you’ve ever had, so you’re most qualified to predict what’s best for you going forward.
Additionally, when making a personal life decision you will always be the most impacted. You’re the one bearing the outcome, so you should naturally be the largest stakeholder. If someone disagrees, so what? By letting other people’s expectations dictate what you do, you gradually shape your life around external validation. Don’t let other people run your life for you.
Treat attention as your most finite resource, because what you spend it on ultimately carves the path of your life. Gather data and consider the opinions of others, but make sure it’s always your voice driving a path forward. Otherwise, you may end up leaving yourself behind.