This week on this Monday's Choosing Happy Podcast, Heather V Masters busts one of the trickiest myths in personal growth and entrepreneurship: the idea that “experts,” authority figures, or even well-meaning loved ones know what’s best for us.

With warmth, vulnerability, and her trademark British wit (yes, there’s a bit about the dog’s pension!), Heather shares how taking someone else’s advice once landed her in court—and why, when things go pear-shaped, it’s always you left picking up the pieces.

What’s Inside:

• The problem with outsourcing our decision-making—even to “experts,” officials, or family
• Heather’s honest story about following her father’s advice (and living with the fallout)
• Lessons in discernment, boundaries, and listening to your own gut
• The ultimate truth: we are responsible for our own choices and results
• A gentle, practical challenge to help you trust your instincts this week
• Bonus: Relatable laughs, the chaos of village fêtes, and—of course—the fate of the dog’s pension

Takeaway:

Next time someone tries to steer your ship (no matter their title or relationship), pause. Is this right for you, or just comfortable for them? Remember: you’re the captain. Own your choices—and your results.

• In a world full of advice, remember that your life's path is uniquely yours, not a group project.
• Every so-called expert is just a human navigating their own challenges, so trust your instincts first.
• When advice makes your stomach twist, that's your inner wisdom nudging you to pause and reflect.
• It's perfectly okay to listen to others, but your choices should always be driven by your own heart.
• The choices we make and the results that follow are ours alone, so embrace that responsibility.
• Next time someone tries to steer your ship, ask if their advice fits you or just makes their life easier.

Chapters:

• 00:12 - The Challenge of Trusting Others
• 01:06 - Navigating Advice and Personal Decisions
• 03:34 - The Turning Point: Reclaiming Control
• 04:00 - Lessons on Personal Empowerment
• 05:49 - Taking Control of Your Choices
• 07:12 - Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Let’s Connect:

• Subscribe, rate, and review the show. Every little helps in spreading the word about my podcast.
• Share your own “trust me…” stories or worst advice moments (tag @ChoosingHappyPodcast)
• For more honest real-life reflection, visit www.choosinghappypodcast.com

Resources

• Connect with Heather for transformation work
• New LinkedIn AI newsletter for transformational practitioners

Next Episode

Join us next Monday for another Myth Busting episode where we flip the narrative on some common "truths".

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