Healthy Skepticism Is Wise In A World Full Of Bad Advice

timshurr • June 14, 2024

Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock…

That was the sound the engine in my car made as I completed my road trip from Los Angeles to Orlando.

Before making the 3,000-mile journey, I went to a Jiffy Lube in California to get my oil changed and was concerned that perhaps they hadn’t added enough oil as the knocking sounded like a piston.

So I took the car to a local Jiffy Lube in Orlando and met with a mechanic who confidently explained how he was different from an oil technician.

Then he popped the hood of my car, put his ear to the engine, and said, “I think you’ve got a timing chain problem and that’s going to run you about $1700 to fix it.” Then he asked, “What kind of oil do you have in here?” I replied, “Semi-synthetic.”

The mechanic said, “That might be the issue because you should only use full synthetic oil or you’ll keep having problems like this.” Suddenly, I felt like I had done something wrong, even though the dealership I purchased the car from said that semi-synthetic oil was best.

My Lincoln only has 30,000 miles on it. Thus, so if this was a mechanical issue it should be under warranty. So I located a Lincoln dealership and after their inspection, they said, “Your timing chain is fine. There is a crack in a plate between the engine and transmission that needs replacing and it will be covered under the warranty.

Then I asked, “What type of oil should I use in this vehicle?” The head mechanic replied, “A synthetic blend (semi-synthetic). I would not use full synthetic.”

The moral of this story is to always get a second opinion when there is a lot on the line.  Also, just because someone speaks confidently about an issue, it doesn’t mean they are right.

If I listened to that mechanic at Jiffy Lube, it would have cost me $17oo for him to fix the wrong issue, leading to more unnecessary problems.

Instead, I went to someone who specializes in what I needed help with and we got it done right. It’s wise to have a bit of healthy skepticism in a world full of bad advice. On the other hand, after you’ve done your research you’ll need to make a decision and commit to taking some course of action or you’ll never get to your desired solution.

In my line of work, I speak to people on the telephone daily who are struggling with some type of emotional or behavioral problem. Those who have done their research before calling ask better questions, move forward with my programs and get their desired solutions. Their reward is a significant increase in quality of life.

Others call up not having looked at my website or even knowing what they want. They ask very few questions and seem to be watching for evidence that this approach wouldn’t work for them anyway.

They say, “I’ll think about it and get back to you” and then continue going in circles. Their reward is more needless emotional suffering because they didn’t do their due diligence or take decisive action.

This week, make sure you are reaching out for the support you need, talk to people who specialize in what you specifically need help with, and then be intentional about taking action and attaining your outcome.

Whatever you want IS possible. Apply what you’ve learned here and you’ll soon discover this for yourself.

Tim Shurr

*If you’re a therapist, life coach, or healer and need a second opinion (or a first) on the best way to grow your private practice, schedule a call with me here:  https://TimShurr.as.me/discoverycall

*If you’re ready to escape the anxiety and trauma that has been holding you back, schedule a free hypnosis telephone consultation:  https://timshurr.as.me/hypnosis

By tim hurr July 17, 2025
If you have been a realtor or a business owner over the last three decades, you’ve likely heard of Tom Hopkins . He’s one of the most successful sales trainers of all time. Tom dropped out of college at 19 and got into real estate. His first mentor took him to a California neighborhood three miles from the office and left him there. He said, “Tom, business isn’t going to come to you. You need to go to it. Knock on one hundred doors and you’ll end up with a qualified customer.” Tom hated knocking on strangers’ doors and didn’t even know what to say. But he did it anyway (because that’s what champions do), and after knocking on the 64th door, he got a customer and his first listing. He took great care of that couple who listed their home. Later, they would say that Tom was an answer to their prayers. Tom let everyone in that neighborhood know he was the realtor who sold that house, but building a business is typically slow and painful. Over the next four years, Tom worked his backside off. He was the first to go into the office and the last to leave. He networked with everyone who would talk with him and created relationships with the most successful realtors in town so he could learn from them. Tom believes that having mentors is an essential key to success. Eventually, Tom figured out his CHAMPIONS formula, which allowed him to sell 365 homes in one year, a record at the time. He decided to teach his formula to others, and over forty years, five million people attended his lectures. In 2022, when I launched my third “Legends Summit,” Tom came out of retirement to speak at the event. I also had the privilege of receiving a one-on-one lesson from him on what being a champion means. That conversation was thrilling, and now, Lesson 7 in my One Belief Away Wealth Mindset course. Tom’s CHAMPIONS acronym has guided millions to sales success, and I’m sharing it with you now: C – Courageous: Do what you fear most. H – Honesty: Be honest in all your communications. A – Attitude: Your daily attitude determines your altitude. M – Motivated: Stay motivated and excited, especially during tough times. P – Persistent: Be a persistent ‘follow-up specialist.’ I – Integrity: Treat everyone how you would like to be treated. O – Ownership: Own and believe in the products or services you sell. N – Nonjudgmental: Avoid making quick judgments about clients based on appearances. S – Service: Focus on serving others rather than simply selling to them. As I edited the transcript of my conversation with Tom, I was struck by how relevant his advice remains today. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, these insights will significantly elevate your success in sales, marketing, business, and life. What’s unique about my Wealth Mindset program is that I take the best insights and strategies and transform them into “instructions for your brain to follow” through my unique hypnosis process. Each month, I take a legendary interview and turn it into a hypnosis “brain software” program. This program helps you download these successful attributes directly into your subconscious mind. As Tom says, “Your attitude determines your altitude!” Part of my legacy will be leaving behind a set of instructions, a “mental blueprint” for reaching your full potential by capturing the best success tips straight from personal development ICONS. I’ve already been sharing these strategies with my teenage boys, and their successes are impressive and far beyond anything I accomplished at that age. Even if you feel you’ve got things covered, consider sharing this timeless wisdom with your kids. Tom says, “We have to be fanatical about teaching young folks what’s made us successful in life and then get them to pass along what they learn as well.” I totally agree. Here’s to becoming a CHAMPION for you and your family. Tim Shurr, MA P.S. Not a member yet? Start your FREE 30-day trial here ! Your future CHAMPION self will thank you…
By timshurr July 22, 2024
If you have been a realtor or a business owner over the last three decades, you’ve likely heard of Tom Hopkins . He’s one of the most successful sales trainers of all time.
By timshurr July 12, 2024
Many of us live with an underlying anxiety about potential future problems — financial struggles, family issues, or professional setbacks. The post Overcoming The Fear Of Fear first appeared on Indy Hypnosis Center.