Many of us overthink our career decisions. We read articles and gather data. We make pros-and-cons lists and get lost in the details. We run our thoughts by anyone who would give us the time of day.
But most career moves boil down to two questions:
1. Am I intentional about doing this?
2. Is the upside worth the cost to me?
If both answers are an emphatic yes, then the decision is clear. It doesn’t matter what the statistics say. It doesn’t matter if the cons side is longer than the pros. It doesn’t matter that your friends don’t believe in you. The goal isn’t to solve for every con or to convince every doubter.
If you want to do it, if the upside is attractive and the cost is acceptable, then go for it.
Conversely, if either answer is no, then hit the brakes. Don’t pursue a goal out of obligation or because others are doing it. Don’t engage where the cost-benefit equation doesn’t make sense for you.
Being intentional requires saying no more often than yes. I’ve turned down many opportunities where, in my assessment, there wasn’t enough upside. Someone else may have thought it well worth it.
If you’re stuck on a decision, ask yourself those questions. The answer may be clearer than you realize.
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