Have you ever heard the saying, “Take it with a grain of salt”? It’s a fun way to remind us not to believe everything we hear immediately. Instead, it encourages us to pause, think, and eventually decide for ourselves.

But how does this advice help us in real life, especially when it comes to growing as a person?

Let’s read on…

What Does “Take It with a Grain of Salt” Even Mean?

Imagine a friend of yours telling you a crazy story, like, “I saw a dog riding a skateboard in this morning” Your first reaction might be, “Wait, really?”

That’s you taking the story with a grain of salt. You’re not saying it’s impossible, but you’re also not buying it immediately.

In life, this phrase helps us stay submerged in curiosity and thoughtfulness. Whether someone gives advice, shares opinions, or tells you stories, taking them with a grain of salt allows you to think things through before jumping to conclusions.

Ask Questions to Find the Truth

Being curious and asking questions is a big part of growing up. For instance, a friend says, “If you don’t study for hours every night, you’ll fail your exams!” Instead of panicking, think about it. Is that really true? Some people study differently and still do well.

You see when you ask questions like, “What study methods work best for me?” or “How can I manage my time better?” your mind starts to process what works best for you. This is how you start to think for yourself, rather than just following what others say.

Don’t Believe Everything You See Online

The internet is a great place to learn, but not everything on it is true. For example, someone might say, “Drinking eight glasses of water a day is the only way to stay healthy.” But did you know this advice doesn’t apply to everyone? Some people need more water, and some need less, depending on their bodies and activities.

When you see something online, it’s okay to ask, “Who wrote this? Is this true for everyone? Where did they get this information?” This helps you sort fact from fiction and become a smart learner.

Learn from Other People’s Stories

Taking advice from others is important, but it’s okay to read between the lines, too. If a friend says, “You should play soccer because it’s the best sport,” remember, that’s their opinion. Maybe you love basketball or swimming more.

When you take things with a grain of salt, you learn to respect others’ ideas without losing your own voice.

Stay Curious, Stay True

Rather than doubting everything upon face value, take everything with a grain of salt.

This means staying curious and thinking for yourself. Whether you’re listening to advice, reading online, or hearing a wild story, sift through the sand and find the gold.

Quick Tip: Next time someone gives you advice, ask yourself, “Does this make sense for me?” That’s how you grow into the best version of yourself—one thoughtful question at a time.

Cheers! 👊

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Editing & Narrative Direction: IBSU Library & Information