Business By Hormozi #13: The Journey of Sarah and Emily: The Power of Listening to the Right Voices

In life, the people around us often have the best intentions. They want to help, guide, and protect us. But when it comes to making big decisions, sometimes the most important advice comes not from those who know us best, but from those who understand where we’re trying to go. This is the story of two friends—Sarah and Emily—and how their paths taught them that when making big life decisions, don’t listen to the people closest to you, listen to the people closest to your goal. The power of listening to the right voices became the guiding principle for Sarah and Emily in shaping their futures.

Two Friends, Two Directions

Sarah and Emily had been best friends since childhood. They shared everything, from their dreams to their fears, their successes to their failures. Growing up, Sarah had always been the adventurous one. She dreamed of building her own startup and traveling the world, while Emily took a more cautious approach, preferring security and stability. She always advised Sarah to play it safe and avoid the risks that came with chasing big dreams.

As they got older, Sarah and Emily took different paths. Sarah decided to go all in on her startup idea and moved to a new city to work with a team of entrepreneurs. Emily, on the other hand, chose to take a steady job in a corporate office, where she felt secure.

Despite their differences, they remained close. They would catch up regularly, share life updates, and offer advice. But Sarah's decision to start her business would soon test their friendship in ways neither of them anticipated.

The Big Decision: A Fork in the Road

After a year of working on her startup, Sarah reached a critical juncture. The company was starting to gain traction, but it required a major investment of time and resources. She had to decide whether to leave her job, take the plunge full-time, and risk everything, or stay in her comfort zone with a steady income and future prospects.

Naturally, she turned to Emily for advice. Emily, always the voice of caution, urged Sarah to stay in her job and keep her startup as a side project. "You have a stable future here. You don’t need to risk everything," Emily said, concern in her voice. "Why gamble with something that’s already working?"

Sarah, feeling conflicted, also sought advice from a mentor who was deeply involved in the startup world. He encouraged her to go all in. "You have a great idea, and you’re at a tipping point. This is the moment to go full force. If you don’t, you might regret it," he advised.

The Turning Point: A New Perspective

As Sarah weighed her options, she realized something profound. While Emily’s advice was rooted in care and love, it was also shaped by fear—fear of losing what was comfortable and secure. Emily’s world was centered around stability, not risk-taking. But Sarah’s world was different. Her goal wasn’t to live a predictable life; it was to take bold actions, face challenges, and build something meaningful.

Sarah’s mentor, on the other hand, understood the startup world and recognized the importance of seizing opportunities when they presented themselves. His advice wasn’t based on protecting her from risk, but on pushing her closer to her goals.

The Bold Choice: Going After What Matters

After a lot of soul-searching, Sarah made her decision. She left her job, dedicated herself to her startup, and gave it everything she had. It was a leap into the unknown, but it was also a step toward the future she had always dreamed of. Emily was worried for her, but Sarah understood that, while Emily’s intentions were well-meaning, she was listening to the wrong voices. Emily was closest to Sarah emotionally, but her goals required advice from people who understood the challenges of building a business, not just the desire to protect.

Years later, Sarah’s startup became a huge success, and she felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing she had followed her own path—one that wasn’t always easy but was aligned with her dreams.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Listening to the Right Voices

Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that the people who are closest to us don’t always have the same goals, experiences, or understanding of the challenges we face. When making big decisions, it’s crucial to listen to the people who are closest to your goals—not just those closest to you.

While the people around us want the best for us, their advice is often shaped by their own fears and perspectives. Surrounding yourself with those who understand where you want to go will help you make decisions that truly align with your aspirations.

👉 Next time you’re at a crossroads, ask yourself: Who are you listening to, and are they guiding you toward your goals?

What big decisions have you made in your life? How did you choose whose advice to follow? Share your story in the comments below!