I came across a note on my desk that I had written months ago, which lists these decisions.
I have a different point of view on these decisions, but for now, let’s begin with those decisions:
- Writing my first book. More than anything else, it told me what I wanted to become.
- Not doing an MBA. After completing my CA, I now had a strong enough degree to get me to anywhere I wanted. While at the same time I knew in the real world you get through life by having real skills and not an array of degrees. And I am glad I do not go by FOMO ever.
- Not even thinking of my ego, and picking up a writing internship at age 28, along with my existing job. I resigned immediately, had some other freelance work as well, and that internship became a springboard of confidence that you can do whatever you want.
Now, as I read that note today, I want to add that life is a combination of good decisions as well as not-so-good decisions. The latter teaches you want not to do. And success is often a game of elimination more than addition.
So, as you reflect on the best decisions of your career (please do that today), please also reflect on the worst ones. Do not let a bad decision just go by. Squeeze the lesson out of it.
