There’s a huge flaw in the advice business - there’s just too much good advice.

I arrived at this conclusion after dishing out some advice on being a positive influence a few days ago. After writing that post, I went back to my How to Win Friends & Influence People book in an attempt to actually do a bit of walking my talk. I discovered that despite all the concrete principles Dale Carnegie offers in the book, the larger issue is how to tackle the task of putting those principles into practice on a day-to-day basis.

As working moms, we get a lot of advice — totally unsolicited advice (go away!) and advice we actually ask for (you saved me!). Regardless, we’re bombarded with ways to be better, perfect, improved or whatever. Frankly, my to-do list is long enough, so the thought of adding the task of trying to change my own behavior and habits isn’t nearly as attractive as trying to change my kids, my husband, my clients or my business colleagues. Let them do the hard stuff! Heh.

As a result of all this reflection on advice, I decided to try a new approach. When I receive a bit of solid advice that I want to act on, I’ll jot it down (I’m a journal queen!). But, I won’t act on that advice immediately because I’ll probably be busy acting on a bit of advice I received earlier. (I hope you’re following me.)

The point is, I’m just like everyone else…I’m hard to change all at once. But I can change bit by bit…so I’ll act on advice bit by bit. My “advice journal” will be a good way to track ideas, recommendations and other suggestions; it’ll also let all those things go through a necessary cooling off period in case I realize later I received a bunk piece of information (that happens!).

I think it’ll work. I once heard that if I can improve myself or my situation by just 1% everyday, in less than four months I’ll be 100% improved!