Today is April Fools’ Day.

When I was a kid, it was one of my favorite days. I longed for the chance to “fool” someone, but I never wanted to be a fool. However, I have been guilty of acting like one many times in business.
 
An old wise man once said, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others”. Listening to wise counsel is key, both in our business and personal lives.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH TRUSTED ADVISORS

A while back I went to a seminar that encouraged me to surround myself with trusted advisors. Trusted advisors are people who I can get advice from who have nothing to gain from the advice they are giving. Surrounding yourself with people like this is one tool to keep you from being a fool. 
 
Early on in my post-college life, I lived the life of the fool. I thought I knew everything. I rarely took into account what the “wise counselors” in my life were telling me. I ignored good advice and often paid the penalty for my impetuousness. This resulted in many poor decisions and many stressful days. Many of my poorest decisions could have been avoided if I just would have listened.
 

GET PRIDE AND ARROGANCE OUT OF YOUR WAY

It’s funny, but the older I get the more I realize how little I really know. I am eager now to surround myself with many wise counselors. Why? I am tired of making mistakes. I am tired of looking back and saying “What if?” I do not live a life of regret, but I am quite introspective. In my introspection, I see how my pride and arrogance get in the way of me listening well.
 
My challenge to you today is to ask yourself this question “Are you a fool?”

Do you think you know everything or do you surround yourself with wise counselors who can speak Truth into your life and save you from yourself when you are blinded by your ambition or something else? Have you come to the conclusion that you don’t know everything so that you can surround yourself with “well-seasoned” mentors? Are you willing to listen?
 
Learn from others’ mistakes and experiences to avoid slip-ups of your own.

Don’t be a fool, be a wise man. Seek and listen to council.