When receiving advice, understanding its context is crucial. Advice that fits perfectly in one scenario may not apply in another, and the difference often comes down to the stakes and environment in which it is given.

Consider the words of Chris Kraft, a key figure in NASA’s early space program, who once said, “If you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything.”(1) As NASA’s first flight director, Kraft operated in an environment where failure was not an option. During the 1960s space race, even a small mistake could result in disaster. With lives on the line and no room for error, careful deliberation was essential. In this context, doing nothing until the right course of action was clear was often the wisest choice.

Contrast this with the advice from Dr. Kenneth Chafin, a former pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Dr. Chafin often counseled those facing difficult times with, “If you don’t know what to do, do what you know, until you know what to do.” His advice was aimed at people feeling lost or uncertain about their next steps. In these moments of indecision, he encouraged them to lean on their existing knowledge, training, or spiritual foundation to move forward. The goal was to break through the paralysis of uncertainty by focusing on familiar actions until clarity emerged.

While Kraft’s advice emphasizes caution in high-stakes situations, Dr. Chafin’s encourages action, grounded in familiar routines, in lower-stakes or more personal contexts. Both pieces of advice are valid within their own settings. In a high-stakes environment like NASA’s, the cost of a wrong move can be catastrophic, making restraint crucial. In everyday life, however, taking small, known steps can help build momentum and provide direction when the path ahead is unclear.

Understand the context behind any advice you receive. Ask yourself: What situation does this advice come from, and how does it relate to my current circumstances? By discerning the context, you can better navigate your decisions and choose the path that suits you best.

(1): From the book “Apollo” by Catherine Bly Cox, Charles Murray