But as soon as I moved abroad, I quickly realized that much of their advice didn’t fit today’s reality. Here I collected 10 pieces of bad advice my parents gave me—and what I learned instead.
1. Never Quit.
What they meant: Quitting is for losers; persistence is everything.
What I learned: Sometimes, quitting is the smartest move. Whether it’s a toxic job, a failing business, or an unhealthy relationship, knowing when to walk away is just as important as perseverance. Strategic quitting creates space for better opportunities.
2. If You Don’t Have a Fever, You’re Not Sick.
What they meant: Power through discomfort; don’t be weak.
What I learned: Mental health and burnout are just as real as physical illness. Ignoring early signs of stress or fatigue only leads to bigger problems. Prioritizing well-being is key to long-term success.
3. Always Respect Your Teachers.
What they meant: Teachers are authority figures, and their word is final.
What I learned: Respect should be mutual. Questioning outdated ideas and thinking critically is essential for growth. Just because someone is in a position of authority doesn’t mean they’re always right.
4. Don’t Question Your Parents—They Act in Your Best Interest.
What they meant: Parents know best; just trust them.
What I learned: Parents mean well, but their experiences and fears often shape their advice. Challenging family norms and making independent decisions is part of personal growth.
5. Say Yes to Everything—You Never Know What Comes Out of It.
What they meant: Every opportunity is valuable; don’t be picky.
What I learned: Saying yes to everything leads to burnout. Setting boundaries and focusing on the right opportunities leads to greater success and fulfillment.
6. Save and Never Take Loans.
What they meant: Debt is dangerous; avoid it at all costs.
What I learned: While reckless debt is harmful, smart investments (such as business funding, mortgages, or education) can be powerful tools for financial growth. It’s about understanding the difference between financial instruments and leveraging money wisely, not fearing it.
7. Imagine What the Neighbors Would Think.
What they meant: Your reputation is everything.
What I learned: Living for others’ approval is a losing game. True success comes from aligning with your own values, not external validation.
8. The Harder You Work, the More You’ll Be Recognized.
What they meant: Hard work alone guarantees success.
What I learned: Hard work is important, but strategic work is even more valuable. Networking, positioning, and visibility often matter more than effort alone. Not to mention, that the artbitrary 9-to-5 doesn’t align with everyone’s productivity patterns.
9. You Don’t Need Therapy—Just Toughen Up.
What they meant: Mental toughness solves everything.
What I learned: Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and mental well-being are crucial for success. Therapy, coaching, and personal development are investments, not weaknesses.
10. University Is the Only Path to Success.
What they meant: A degree guarantees a good life.
What I learned: Education is valuable, but it comes in many forms. Experience, skills, and adaptability are often more important than formal credentials.
Breaking Free from Outdated Advice
If you’ve ever felt trapped by limiting beliefs passed down from previous generations, you’re not alone. The world has changed, and so should our mindset.
As a business and life coach, I help people unlearn outdated thinking and create success on their own terms. If you’re ready to break free from limiting beliefs and design a life and career that truly fulfill you, let’s connect! Book a free consultation today and start your transformation.