Why Too Much Advice Nearly Made Me Quit

“Too much advice nearly ended the challenge before it began.”

It wasn’t the injury.

It wasn’t the fatigue.

It was the noise.

If you’ve ever tried to do something hard launch a business, change your habits, fix a relationship you’ve probably run into this:

You start strong, full of intention.

But the moment things go sideways… the opinions flood in.

“Try this.”

“You need to rest.”

“Have you thought about X?”

“You’re probably overtraining.”

“You’re doing it wrong.”

It’s meant to be helpful.

But it quickly becomes overwhelming.

And if you’re already doubting yourself it can be fatal.

The truth is: advice is only useful when you’re clear on your decision.

If you’re not? It adds weight you can’t carry.

I started the 58 Marathons in 58 Days challenge feeling pumped.

Day 1 was meant to be smooth. Controlled. On pace for a sub-4-hour finish.

But 5km in, I felt my toe smashing into the front of my shoe.

It wasn’t just annoying it was damaging.

I knew I should’ve stopped. Fixed the laces. Adjusted.

But I didn’t.

I was chasing a personal benchmark.

And I told myself I could tough it out.

That choice set off a domino effect.

The toe injury caused ankle pain.

The ankle pain started to shift my stride.

By Day 2, I was limping.

And that’s when the messages started rolling in…

“Stress fracture?”

“Looks like compartment syndrome.”

“You need scans.”

“Stop now before it’s too late.”

I was documenting everything. So everyone had an opinion.

And the worst part?

I was listening to all of them.

I couldn’t hear my own thoughts.

I started questioning everything:

Was I underprepared? Did I ruin this on Day 1? Was this already over?

That wasn’t just physical fatigue.

It was decision fatigue.

And here’s the truth I learned that day one I teach every coaching client now:

If you’re overwhelmed, it’s not because you’re weak.

It’s because you’re listening to too many people.

Advice is addictive.

It feels productive.

It gives you the illusion of clarity without having to make a choice.

But real leadership? That’s about owning your decision and shutting the door on everything that doesn’t support it.

So I made a decision.

1. I stopped talking to anyone who planted doubt even if they meant well.

2. I committed to finishing all 58 marathons. Time didn’t matter anymore. Completion did.

And the second I made that decision?

Everything became clearer.

I didn’t need to entertain every message or comment.

I didn’t need to ask for more input.

I just needed to do what the decision required.

Pain didn’t disappear. But the mental spiralling did.

From that point on, every marathon was no longer a test of my pace.

It was a test of my ability to lead myself.

So here’s what I’d offer you this week:

If you’re stuck, spiralling, or constantly second-guessing yourself…

You don’t need more advice.

You need to make a decision.

Decide. Then do what supports the decision.

It’s not sexy.

It’s not shiny.

But it’s self-leadership.

And if there’s one thing I learned from 2,447km of running through pain, cold, and chaos it’s this:

You don’t need perfect conditions.

You just need to cut the noise… and commit.

Take the Free Life Performance Scorecard here