How To Make Smart Career Choices

Life is full of choices. Some require little thought or reflection – like choosing dinner – while others require deep consideration. When it comes to your career, you’ve probably made some tough decisions in the past and will undoubtedly have to make many more.

With any decision, there is a natural give and take. When you gain something, you usually lose something. To make wise decisions, you must weigh the risks against the potential rewards. You have to make predictions and assumptions, and sometimes you have to take big leaps of faith.

Decisions are rarely black or white, all good or all 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, effort up front is the best way to reduce the potential for disappointing results after the fact.

There is no guarantee, of course. 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 how can you make sure you’re approaching career decisions, big or small, with the right amount of thought? How can you ensure that your “hunch” is really the best you can do? Below I’ve listed a few points to consider in your decision making.

Understand that decisions reflect values

Your life is the result of your choices. Every choice shapes your reality and is a reflection of who you are, what you value, and what you want. When you make choices that conflict with your fundamental values, it inevitably leads to unrest and dissatisfaction. If you are not satisfied with the choices you have made in the past, review your values and the reasons for your decision. Most likely there was a discrepancy.

Recognize that emotions influence decisions

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

Do not rush yourself

Fear and urgency almost always have a negative impact on decision making. Don’t let a ticking clock push you into a decision that you haven’t properly evaluated. Certainly, you 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 solution with your need for a well-thought-out decision-making process.

Recognize that not making a decision is still making a decision

You can’t just ignore the fact that a decision has to be made and expect it to take care of itself. The choice not to vote is a relinquishment of power, but it is still a choice in its own way. It is a choice to observe rather than participate, which is not necessarily a bad thing. There are times when it is better to just let a situation take its course 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 possibilities. If you keep yourself trapped in limited thinking, you will not see the true possibilities. Don’t artificially limit yourself or the possibilities the world has to offer. When you are faced with an “either/or” dilemma, look for the gray space in between. It’s not an empty space, but a deep and endless well of potential.

Build trust

Trust in yourself, trust in others, trust in the universe. Have a little faith that everything will work out for the better, whether the future is exactly as you imagined it or not. Remember that change is constant and that you have the means to deal with whatever comes your way.

Your decisions have consequences that shape your reality; you always have the option to make different decisions in the future and create a new reality for yourself. Remember that a well thought out decision is never wrong, no matter what. It may be tempting to blame yourself when things don’t turn out the way you thought they would, but that will get you nowhere. 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 career or other areas of your life.

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