The problem with receiving advice from a stranger is that this person is not responsible for what happens next. For example, what if the nutrition advice you receive negatively affects your health? What if the training advice you receive causes an injury?
There are a lot of self-proclaimed, unqualified "experts" out there. And even if a person sounds reputable, advice targeted to the masses doesn't mean that advice is right for you.
You can't receive safe, realistic, practical advice from an expert without giving that expert a detailed assessment of your health, fitness and your past history. More so, just because one expert experienced success in weight loss, diet, health, athletics or career, this doesn't mean that what worked for him/her will work for you. Also, tips dished out by "experts" can be heavily skewed to fit an agenda, such as selling a service or product or boosting popularity (or followers on social media). I assure you that there will always be a research study and success story to support any kind of agenda. You don't have to believe everything you hear. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
With so many experts out there, here are some ways to help you select the right expert for your needs:
- Your expert has formal education, credentials, competence, experience and a good reputation. An easy-to-obtain certification doesn't qualify someone as an expert.
- You believe in his/her philosophy. When you have insight on how an expert approaches situations and how he/she helps others, you will gain trust in this individual because you have similar views. It's important to understand his/her methodologies. If you don't have a similar belief system as your expert, it's not the right expert for you.
- You feel you are listened to, respected and not judged by your expert. You feel like you are treated like an individual.
- Your expert has a specialty area and is a qualified expert in a specific field (based on formal education and years of experience).
- Your expert is actively involved in learning with continuing education. She/he admits to not knowing everything and has references for other "experts" that may be more qualified for a specific diagnosis/problem.
- Your expert has patience for you and does not rush your journey. She/he doesn't have a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all method. Despite having knowledge, education and being extremely popular, experts are not magicians. Most issues or problems require ongoing support, accountability and assistance.
- Your expert gives you his/her full attention, provides a supportive, caring and positive environment and does not ignore or dismiss your questions or concerns. Your expert values a team approach when working together.
- Your expert challenges you and provides a safe approach to help you to step outside your comfort zone. She/he doesn't tell you exactly what you want to hear or give you false promises. She/he also welcomes feedback, questions and concerns.
- Your expert maintains your confidentiality.
- Your expert doesn't change his/her approach based on what is "in" or trendy. While it's important for your expert to keep an open-mind to new research, trends and strategies, an expert should not change his/her beliefs every time a new fad becomes heavily popular.
As you search for the best expert(s) to help you with your personal needs, keep in mind that the same expert that works for your friend, training partner or family member may not be the right expert for you. By using the above criteria, you can figure out exactly what you need and are looking for in an expert - keeping in mind that not every problem has a clear, simple, straight-forward or easy solution.