GRANT RITTER

4. Know when to listen and when to hear.

Seek advice from others - but know when to ‘listen’ and when to just ‘hear.’

Yes, ears are necessary for both - but, ‘listening’ and ‘hearing’ are two different things.

Hearing entails the perception of sounds. Listening, on the other hand, requires attention.

Not all advice or statements given by others will be helpful to you. Unfortunately, sometimes, they can even be damaging.

• Hear those who are discouraging to the point of vicious and those who blab on and on about nothing. Merely nod and be on your way.
• Listen to those who care about your well-being and those who actually know what they are talking about. First-hand accounts and actual concern make the burden of decision-making a whole lot easier to bear.
• And with a big decision such as studying abroad or staying at home, you should welcome all genuine help and concern.

5. Then, decide.

• Would your path lead you down the yellow brick road?
• Or is there no place like home?

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”