“If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.”
– Mercedes Lackey
Earlier this summer I had an opportunity to speak about my career to our team of interns (and other team members!) at Kinetix. They were kind and listened and smiled at me.
As I was talking about the most important decisions in my professional life a theme emerged.
Taking risks.
But Something Bad Might Happen
No kidding. That’s why it’s called risk. For me, risk has turned out to be one of the only ways I could move my career forward at the pace I wanted it to move.
Did every decision turn out for the best? No.
Would I be as blessed as I am today without taking those big chances? No way.
Live Your Life
Following the talk about my professional journey I was asked a number of questions in private about those choices. I urged them all to put in more effort (which almost always equals more time invested putting in that effort.)
I know all about “work smarter, not harder” – but, the reality is everyone I’ve ever seen get ahead in this life put in a heck of a lot of time, and didn’t make excuses about leaving early because they “worked smarter that day.”
How About You
Have you embraced risk as a career strategy? The payoff can be more than you ever dreamt possible. Plus, you won’t be stuck wallowing in regret. That is a place that no one ever wants to go.
A little bonus is that you might also find ways to take some pretty exciting risks in your personal life as well. It sure worked for me.
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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