A lot of people think “keeping their options open” is a smart thing to do.
But I think it’s some of the worst advice out there.
That might sound cryptic.
So let me explain…
I thought about quitting my job and starting a business most days for 13 years.
There were lots of reasons I didn’t quit sooner.
And one of these was definitely “to keep my options open”.
Options like joining another team, getting a promotion or joining another company.
So instead of quitting, I did these instead.
I always thought they might make the 9 to 5 more interesting...
And I might start enjoying things after all.
However…
Switching teams was never going to lead to magical improvements overnight.
And I knew deep down that a different job or a promotion would change very little…
It’s like jumping out of the frying pan and in to the fire.
But I kept kidding myself that things might change.
And since quitting, I’ve been looking back on this and trying to figure out why I didn’t just quit sooner.
And I think it comes down to this…
I wanted to live in the world of the “possible”.
What do I mean?
I delayed quitting so I didn’t have to confront a difficult decision, expose myself to criticism and open myself up to potential failure.
Instead, I could daydream about how my life would change if I quit.
“I could do this if I tried” stayed open as a possibility.
And this was so much safer than actually doing it.
But the truth is…
Daydreaming isn’t real.
It’s just a way to avoid making a decision, taking a chance and putting yourself out there.
It also distracts you from fully committing to what you’re actually doing in the moment...
Your mind keeps wandering and you’re living in a state of limbo.
In the end, I knew I had to bite the bullet and actually DO IT.
I had to quit my job, and not just daydream about it.
I might succeed. And that would be awesome.
Or I might fail…
But if I failed, I’d still learn something.
Like a new skill. A new insight. Or a new direction for my life.
And really, this is still success.
It’s only a failure if you don’t learn something.
Bottom line…
Keeping your options open isn’t wise, noble or sensible…
If it’s just a way to delay or avoid a big decision.
It took me a long time to realise this. Which is why I thought it might make a good email.
Maybe something to bear in mind.
Alright, I need to bring this to a close...
Have a great weekend when it comes.
- Tom
p.s. If you’re ready to get greater clarity on your situation, why not book a short call with me? The link is below.
www.followingfulfilment.com/call
