Elizabeth Olsen Reveals Why She’s ‘Good at Ignoring Advice’ – And How It Shaped Her Career

Elizabeth Olsen’s recent comments on her approach to advice have shed light on her fiercely independent streak—both as an actress and as a member of a famous family. In a candid NPR interview on April 3, 2025, Olsen revealed that she often turned a blind eye to well-meaning guidance, including from her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Her reasoning? A desire to make her own mistakes and forge her own path.

A Childhood Without Mentors
Reflecting on her upbringing, Olsen noted that she never really had traditional mentors. Growing up in a large, blended family—six siblings at her father’s house, four at her mother’s—she cultivated a sense of self-reliance early on. “I felt like I was very self-motivated,” she explained. “I didn’t listen to a lot of people’s opinions within my family, and I just kind of kept doing what I wanted to do.” This approach, while leading to the occasional “told you so” moment, helped her learn lessons on her own terms.

Protecting Family Privacy
While Olsen was open about her tendency to brush off advice, she chose not to elaborate on the specifics of what her sisters had told her. She cited privacy concerns and her desire to protect Mary-Kate and Ashley’s private lives. “All the good advice that I did ignore and maybe would have benefited from came from my sisters,” she said, “and it always becomes such a bigger story when I introduce things that they told me.” This suggests a protective stance, recognizing that her choices could inadvertently draw unwanted attention to her family.

A Shift in Professional Choices
Olsen’s independence extended into her career. After her breakout role in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011), she admitted to making decisions that felt “lazy,” taking on projects simply because they seemed different from her previous work. However, as she matured in the industry, she began making more intentional choices—like producing Sorry for Your Loss in 2018—which rekindled her passion for acting. These shifts hint at a growing willingness to embrace advice she may have once brushed off, particularly advice about being more selective with her roles.

Giving Advice to Others
Interestingly, while Olsen is candid about ignoring advice, she’s also known for giving it. Tom Holland, her co-star in several Marvel films, publicly credited her for teaching him to say “no” as a complete sentence—advice he described as “amazing.” This contrast highlights Olsen’s duality: someone who values autonomy so much that she often dismisses advice, but who also recognizes the importance of empowering others with thoughtful guidance.

A Current Conversation
Olsen’s reflections have struck a chord with fans and media outlets alike. Social media posts and articles have picked up on her recent interview, with many resonating with her fiercely independent approach. As a result, she’s further solidified her reputation as someone unafraid to chart her own course—even when it means learning lessons the hard way.

Conclusion
For Elizabeth Olsen, ignoring advice isn’t just a rebellious quirk; it’s a core part of how she navigates her career and personal relationships. By prioritizing her own instincts and making decisions independently, she’s crafted a path that’s uniquely hers—while proving that sometimes, finding your way means tuning out the noise and trusting yourself.