Giving advice seems to be a human default setting. Just look at all those “how to” articles. The advice ranges from trivial things like tying your shoes to the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything.

I wonder if all the unsolicited advice out there pushes us to seek advice too. When faced with a problem we look to others to give us the answer, instead of looking within. I’d have a full piggy bank if I had a pound for the number of times someone enquired about coaching with the opening line “I’d like your advice on…” In my response I explain that the work I do is about clearing the path to help you find your own answers.

I’m not completely against advice though and if there’s any I’m willing to listen to it’s that of people who are in their twilight years. So when Coach George Raveling turned 82 last week and shared 22 lessons for the “game called life” I took note. Why? Because he’s not talking about a quick fix or giving us a solution for how to live a fulfilling life:

“At 82, I am still a work in progress. I am on a daily self-discovery journey to find myself, the real me. The moment we stop exploring and discovering who we are is the moment our spirit dies while still being alive.”

We are all works in progress. And that’s the key point here for me, these lessons are ongoing and require daily practice.

I’ve picked out a few that are important for me to remember:

• Find common ground
• Focus on needs less on wants
• Own your day
• Think, speak and act positively

Of the 22, which are important for you?

Author’s note: Choose your advisors wisely. Just because someone has reached advanced years does not mean they give good advice — my Nan would have you believe that to reach your 90s fit and well you need to consume a glass of sherry and a pound of potatoes a day.