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The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/Happy-Fruit-8628 on 2025-11-08 19:39:07+00:00.
Next time you have a major life problem (a career decision, relationship friction, or a complex financial choice), stop using the word ‘I’ and mentally pretend the exact same situation is happening to your smartest friend.
Ask yourself: What logical, objective advice would I give them? Use "You" or their name during the entire reflection process. This technique bypasses the emotional biases of the self-advice paradox, forcing you to achieve the necessary psychological distance to think rationally and apply the wisdom you already possess. You are already wise, you just need the distance.