Some people find it really difficult to stick with their decisions. But sometimes it’s important to ‘pick and stick’ with our choice - particularly because some goals can only be achieved by persistence and perseverance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Some professional goals can be reached by multiple pathways - but sometimes there's only one clear way to achieve a goal.

Any goal that requires high levels of skill, any goal that requires you to stand out from a field of other skilful people, generally requires focus and persistence.

According to Angela Duckworth's research, 'grit' (dogged perseverance) is consistently correlated with success - more so than natural ability.

THE 'I'M THINKING OF CHANGING MY MIND' CHECKLIST

1. What was your goal when you first made the decision? Sometimes we chop and change because we don’t really know what we want.
2. Was it a goal that can only be achieved by sticking to a clear path - and are you prepared to stick at it? Or is there flexibility to discover the path as you go and still achieve the goal (compare business entrepreneur to heart surgeon)?
3. Are your expectations realistic, or do minor obstacles come as a nasty surprise that make you question your choice?
4. Do you quit and change direction because you’re afraid to fail? Does quitting allow you to get out before you hit that point of failure? And can you redefine failure as learning instead, and use that to help you stick with your choices?

LINKS

You can learn more about Angela Duckworth and listen to her Ted Talk on 'grit' here.

WHAT TO DO?

If you enjoyed this episode, think about rating & reviewing 'How to Choose' in your favourite podcast player - we'd really appreciate it!

And don't forget Kafka's advice: 'Follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly' (as long as your obsessions aren't evil...)

IN OUR NEXT EPISODE...

Next time we'll be exploring those situations where it might be more effective to adjust your direction as you go rather than choose and never change your mind.