We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media and stumble upon a therapist or coach sharing "5 Tips to Change Your Life!" or "The Morning Routine That Will Transform You!" They sound promising, don’t they? Yet, when you try them, they don’t seem to work.

Here’s the truth: generic advice often fails because it’s not made for you. Your life, emotions, and motivations are as unique as your fingerprints, so why would one-size-fits-all solutions bring you lasting change?

Let me explain with an example that’s become increasingly common, especially since the pandemic: many people have lost their daily routines. They want to regain structure or build a new one, but they struggle to start their day. It’s hard to get out of bed, and when they finally do, they feel disappointed and frustrated for not waking up earlier as planned.

Instead of giving them "tips" to wake up earlier, I guide my clients to build their own solutions. Take Gabriela, for instance. She discovered that setting her alarm to a specific genre of music works for her—not too loud to shock her awake, but not too soft to lull her back to sleep.

Juan Carlos, on the other hand, realized that planning his day the night before is what gets him out of bed. Writing down his schedule gives him a clear purpose for the morning. If he doesn’t do it, he ends up lying in bed, overthinking, and procrastinating.

As for me? Neither of those strategies works. What does motivate me is thinking about my dog. She needs her walk, and someday, when she’s no longer with me, I know I’ll long for those early mornings together. That thought gets me up and moving.

So, what happens if I give Gabriela’s solution to Juan Carlos? Or suggest my approach to them? It won’t work—just like other people’s advice hasn’t worked for you in the long run.

The Power of Personal Solutions

Building your path to change isn’t about advice; it’s about discovery. It’s a process of uncovering what truly works for you, guided by your experiences, emotions, and values. This is what therapy offers: a safe space to explore and design solutions that fit your unique life.

Social media tips and self-help articles are great for education, but they’re not the same as therapy. Therapy goes deeper—it uncovers the wisdom you already carry within you and helps you turn it into action.

If you’re tired of trying advice that doesn’t stick and are ready to build something that truly works for you, therapy might be the next step. After all, your path to change is as unique as you are.