I used to be that person, so I get it.
Have you tried taking Pepto-Bismol?
Dealing with a cranky knee?
Hmm, have you tried stretching?
That usually does the trick for me.
Weight loss not going anywhere?
Have youtried not eating so much and moving more?
Healthy living seemed so simple.
They just need someone smart to come tell them what to do.
Have You Heard of the Dunning-Kruger Effect?
But many more years of being in the industry flipped my entire perspective on its head.
I had been an arrogant dummy.
(Some day Ill probably look back at this moment and still facepalm.)
Im not alone here.
The Dunning-Kruger effect is rampant among health and fitness enthusiasts (and even professionals) in particular.
you might see how easy it is for bogus health information to proliferate.
to imply the other person probably couldnt find his own butthole if he tried.
Of course, these delusions of superiority arent exclusive to internet culture.
You ever overhear the most trite conversations that make you want to vomit?
Just hang out in the gym locker room.
You could hear the most bizarre advice, which usually gets tempered with …it worked for me.
Never mind the fact that in 99.9% of these cases its really none of their business.
Of course, all these people think theyre doing you a favor.
And hey, maybe youve even been one of them from time to time.
I know I have.
Just Shut Up and Listen
Now I know better.
Ive learned that in most cases, my intention to educate comes off as annoying, not helpful.
What in the…I wasnt looking for any crazy disordered eating advice.
I just wanted to vent!
I notice the same thing elsewhere.
In fact, this intrusion makes themmore likely to contradict your good-willed advice.
or What should I eat to lose weight?, I dread responding to them.
So, why bother?
When I explain this, they look as if Id just shot their dog.
Whats easy for me isnt necessarily easy for someone else.
We all are subject to our different environments, finances, resources and life circumstances.
Its just not my place to intervene without their asking or knowing any information on their background.
Theyve probably already tried my suggestion or arent able to do it.
Hearing my unsolicited advice is the last thing anyone needs.
Advice can only go so far (and rarely does it go far at all).
Instead of the banal Have you tried… approach, opt for What have you tried thatworkedfor you?
to help them reach theirownepiphany.
This is within anyones power to do!
(Admittedly, this is pretty damn difficult.
