What is the best advice you ever received?


It could be personal, business, riding, or ? For me, the best advice I ever received was from my dad. He said, “Never let the bastards get you down.”

Not sure what all was going on in my life, but my dad gave me a hug and gave me that advice. Can’t tell you the times I’ve remembered his words. It reminds me of why crab pots don’t have lids. As long as there are two crabs in the pot they will always pull each other one down when one tries to climb out. One crab can escape. Two never.

It really taught me to think about who I hung around. What about you? What advice have you received that has made an impact on your life?

12 responses to “What is the best advice you ever received?

  1. I’ve always been lucky to have a strong will and inner drive that my Mother most likely passed on to me. I knew from a early age to trust my inner voice that tells me when something is wrong or I should remove myself from will most likely turn into a bad situation. I don’t give up easily and push for what I want in life. “Don’t tell me I can’t, I just did!” Don’t know who said it, but I like it.

  2. I’ve never thought about two crab in a pot before but I like your dad’s advice.

    I think the best I have received was from Brad (Troubadour) as he sent me off to take my Basic Motorcycle Classes back in 2002. I was slightly freaked out and he said “What would you do if you weren’t scared?” It resonated with me and I still think of it at different moments when taking a deep breath and leaving my comfort zone, in life not just in motorcycling.

    I have a lot of trouble even sticking a toe out of that comfort zone. And we all know the first step is the hardest.

  3. The best and worst piece of advice I think I’ve been given was something my Grandad and no mum have always said – “if in doubt, don’t”. Best because those words have meant I haven’t made certain mistakes. Worst because in order to have a bit of an adventure or take a risk, I have to go against it.

  4. The best advice was written to me in a letter when I was in the desert dealing with some really ugly stuff. My sister said “chin up, smile, drive forward towards home”. At the time, it was what I needed to make back to the states while being there in a positive way for my peoples in the sand box. Thanks sis….

  5. My mom used to say, “God doesn’t promise you tomorrow.” This has taught me to live in and appreciate each day and never take anyone or anything for granted in life.

  6. Good question. I believe it’s “Don’t panic.” When we face adversity, staying calm is key. Often, when riding, I encounter a dangerous situation and keeping my wits makes the difference between life-and-death (or at least life-and-painful injury).

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