How to Make Smart Career Choices

Life is full of decisions. Some require little thought or thought - like choosing dinner - while others require careful consideration. When it comes to your professional career You've probably made some difficult decisions in the past and will undoubtedly have to make many more.

There is a natural give and take in every decision. When something is gained, something is usually lost. To make smart decisions, you must weigh the risks against the potential benefits. You have to make predictions and assumptions and sometimes take big leaps of faith.

Decisions are rarely black or white, only good or only bad, clearly right or clearly wrong. They are complicated and multidimensional - a prism through which no two people will see the same world. As with most things in life, putting effort up front is the best way to reduce the potential for disappointing results down the road.

Of course there is no guarantee. Even the most thoughtful decisions can backfire. Most of the time a decision is nothing more than a guess - a hopeful step in a new direction.

So when you're faced with career decisions, big or small, how can you ensure you approach the situation with the right level of consideration? How can you make sure your "guess" is really the best you can do? Below I have listed some points that you should consider when making your decision.

Understand that decisions reflect values

Your life is the result of your decisions. Every choice shapes your reality and is a reflection of who you are, what you value and what you want. Making decisions that conflict with your underlying values ​​will inevitably lead to unrest and dissatisfaction. If you are unhappy with the decisions you have made in the past, examine your values ​​and the reasons for your decision. Most likely there was a connection problem.

Recognize that emotions influence decisions

Recognize the role that emotions decision making process play in your life. Although it's unrealistic - and unhealthy - to completely suppress emotions, it's helpful to understand how they influence your behavior. Pay attention to the messages hidden behind the emotions; let your heart and head work together to find the best solutions.

Don't rush yourself

Fear and urgency almost always have a negative impact on decision making. Don't let a ticking clock pressure you into making a decision that you haven't properly evaluated. You certainly don't have an infinite amount of time, but you should avoid imposing unnecessary deadlines on yourself. Be thorough and balance your desire for a quick resolution with your need for a well-thought-out decision-making process.

Recognize that not making a decision is still a decision

You can't just ignore making a decision and expecting it to go away. Choosing not to vote is a relinquishment of power, but it is still a choice in its own way. It's the choice to observe rather than participate, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. There are times when it is better to just let a situation unfold without trying to steer it in any direction. Sit back, allow events to unfold, and let the path emerge naturally.

Reject “either/or” dilemmas

There are always more options. When you trap yourself into limited thinking you don't see the real opportunities. Don’t artificially limit yourself or the opportunities the world has to offer. When faced with an “either-or” dilemma, look for the gray area in between. This is not an empty space, but a deep and endless source of potential.

building up trust

Trust in yourself, trust in others, trust in the universe. Have a little faith that everything will work out, whether the future looks exactly as you imagined it or not. Remember that change is constant, and you must have the resources to handle whatever comes.

Your decisions have consequences that shape your reality; You always have the opportunity to make different choices in the future and create a new reality for yourself. Remember that a well-thought-out decision is never wrong, no matter what happens. It may be tempting to blame yourself when things don't turn out the way you imagined, but that doesn't get you anywhere. Don't dwell on regrets. Just accept the lesson and move on. Take what you've learned with you and use it the next time you're faced with a difficult decision in your life Career or in other areas of your life.