How to avoid running into poles and other painful obstacles

The way of fools seems right to them, 
 but the wise listen to advice.
Proverbs 12:15

It's funny how you can be so sure your doing the right thing until suddenly it all falls apart (embarrassingly I'm sure for the person who followed this sign).  How do you avoid many of life's pitfalls and save yourself the pain of regret and failure?

Just as we all have the capacity for foolishness, so too can we have our moments of wisdom.  I have learnt that one of the wisest things you can do is to seek good advice. This has been invaluable for me and I have learnt a few keys in it's practical implementation.

Find people you can trust who have proved themselves not through mere words but through the fruit produced by their actions.  The old adage 'actions speak louder than words' will help give you a true measure of a persons character, integrity and wisdom.  Let go of pride and speak honestly with someone whom you have come to trust and respect, give them permission to challenge your mindsets.

Every man and his dog has an opinion, learn to shut out the noise.  Everyone loves to feel like they can help you out by putting in their 2cents but it is important not to be continually swayed by all the noise.  Listen to good advice and ignore those who have obviously not been in a habit of making wise decisions for themselves.

Seek advice from those who are wise, and remember that at the end of the day it is up to you to make the decision.  Sometimes this will mean making choices that fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but end up being the right way for you!