How many of us know that person who doesn’t seem to have a clue what they’re even talking about, yet continues to open their mouth…

Obnoxious, right?!

Everybody seems to have an opinion, but whose opinion really matters when you’re the one who has to make a decision?

Sometimes it’s nice to hear that someone else is on the same page as us. It helps us to feel like everything’s okay and can confirm our own beliefs when we’re on the fence. But what are we supposed to think when people’s opinions make us feel conflicted?

Well, what advice would you give a friend in your situation? Answering that can often get you grounded back to what you really think is right. So, don’t doubt yourself if people have different views than you. They always will. In the end, just trust your gut. It knows you best.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life. “

People’s opinions are reflections of themselves – and because of that, your own opinion is probably best for you, and other people’s opinions are probably best for just them. You don’t need anyone’s permission to feel what you feel or to think what you think. You are entitled to your opinions just as much as anyone else is entitled to theirs.

What do you do when you totally don’t agree with someone’s advice?

Sometimes people who try to help us just miss the mark. However, whether you choose to take the advice or not, it may help you to just listen first, process next, and act last. You don’t have to follow through with what someone else says, but there IS an advantage to gaining new perspectives in life. We’re all different in our own ways, and the diversity makes the world go round.

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Steve Jobs.

Listen to others. Value everyone’s advice, but follow your instincts – they are rarely wrong.

Parts of this article first appeared in HappierDaily.com.

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