I was recently approached for a GREAT opportunity. One for which I am honored to be considered. I was stoked to go after it. I listened to part of the advice I share with others: "Don't walk away from an opportunity until you've run it to ground, until you're sure it's not for you, or until 'they' are no longer interested". I dove in headfirst. Then I heard a quiet but persistent voice sharing a question I always ask others when 'shiny' new opportunities arise: "How does this align with your 'decision criteria', your priorities, your goals, your 'definition of success'?" I begrudginly listened to my own counsel. I assessed the opportunity against my criteria. There were some amazing upsides. There were also bits that don't align well with my 'definition of success' for my overall 'life journey'. Many of you have heard me talk about the importance of considering "income versus impact" during career transition. This exercise caused me to extend that thought a bit. It's not just one versus the other. The nature of each and how they stack up for you are also important. Regarding 'income': How much is enough? If you're financially secure, how important is it to earn top-dollar? If not, what are you willing to give up to get the big bucks? As for 'impact': Do you really understand what it means to you? Is direct, 1-1 impact on individuals most important? Is impacting a large organization's ability to succeed your priority? Something else? To be clear, there are no universal right answers; you have to decide what is best for you. Knowing your criteria makes this work possible. On the whole, it became clear that this genuinely great opportunity was not the one for me. So, I did what I coach people to do when they know an opportunity is not for them. I reached out to the point of contact, thanked then for considering me, and politely declined. It's your career. It's your life. They are inextricably linked. Don't let shiny things swerve you off your path without carefully assessing the whole picture. What are your 'decision criteria'? How do you define success? What will you do to keep your 'career' and 'life' journeys aligned? Be well my friends. Keep up the fire!
