Why People Reject Advice: 5 Harsh Truths

We’ve all been there—someone drops a piece of wisdom that could genuinely help us, but instead of taking it, we brush it off. Maybe it’s pride, maybe it’s timing, or maybe we just don’t want to hear it. I’ve rejected good advice more times than I’d like to admit, and looking back, I see the time and energy I could’ve saved if I had just listened. But the reality is, most people do the same. Why do people reject advice, even when it’s in their best interest?

The answer isn’t simple, but understanding it can be the difference between staying stuck and leveling up.

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If you’re looking for a behavioral perspective on why people turn down advice, check out this article from Forbes: Eight Reasons We Reject Advice and How Behavioral Science Can Help Overcome Them.

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Why People Reject Advice: The Harsh Truths

1. Ego Gets in the Way

Nobody likes being told what to do, even if it’s well-intended. Advice can feel like criticism, like someone’s pointing out what you’re doing wrong. I used to think taking advice meant admitting weakness. But here’s what I learned: listening doesn’t mean you’re not in control—it means you’re smart enough to learn from others.

When I played baseball, coaches gave me advice all the time. But instead of applying it, I convinced myself that my way was better. Looking back, I wasn’t rejecting the advice—I was rejecting the idea that someone else knew better than me. The sooner you drop the ego, the faster you grow.

2. People Want to Learn the Hard Way

Some lessons don’t sink in until life forces you to learn them. I’ve ignored advice about finances, relationships, and opportunities, only to later experience exactly what I was warned about. And when it hit? It hit hard.

The truth is, pain is a powerful teacher—sometimes more powerful than words. If you’ve ever ignored good advice and ended up regretting it, you know what I mean. The key is recognizing patterns and learning before the consequences get worse.

3. It Feels Like an Attack on Identity

When someone gives advice, especially on something personal, it can feel like they’re saying, “You’re not good enough.” Even when that’s not the intent, it’s how a lot of people take it. I’ve felt this when people gave me advice about business, my career, or even my personal life.

It’s natural to get defensive, and that’s often why people reject advice. But if you step back, you’ll realize that advice isn’t about proving you wrong—it’s about helping you get it right. The people who truly want to see you win aren’t trying to tear you down; they’re giving you free wisdom so you don’t have to figure everything out the hard way.

4. Advice is Hard to Accept When You’re Not Ready

There’s a reason why the same words can hit differently at different times. You can only absorb what you’re mentally ready to receive. If you’re not in the right headspace, even the best advice will go in one ear and out the other.

For years, people told me I needed to network more, build connections, and put myself out there. I ignored it because I wasn’t mentally ready. But when I finally opened my mind to it, I saw the truth—I had been holding myself back. Sometimes, you have to go through enough struggles before advice finally makes sense.

5. Not All Advice is Worth Taking

Let’s be real—not every piece of advice is good advice. Some people project their fears onto you, while others give advice based on what worked for them, not what’s best for you. This is why people reject advice—it’s not always the right fit for their journey.

The trick is knowing how to filter it. Take advice from people who have real experience, who’ve walked the path you want to walk. If they don’t have results, they don’t have wisdom. Period.

The Bottom Line: Take What You Need, Leave the Rest

Rejecting advice isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s just not the right time. Sometimes, it’s coming from the wrong source. But if you catch yourself constantly brushing off wisdom from the right people, ask yourself: Is it really bad advice, or is it just hard to hear? Understanding why people reject advice can help you recognize when to listen and when to trust your own path.

Every step of growth requires you to check your ego, stay open-minded, and embrace discomfort. The sooner you do that, the faster you evolve.

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Self-ownership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built over time. Don’t play the victim when you know you’re the one standing in your own way. If you want to learn more, check out more of our blogs on Accountability.

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