There are times when we take on a job or a project because it seems like a great idea. But the perceived attractions may be so overwhelming that we kid ourselves about the negative aspects and, as a result, underestimate their impact.
Suzanne Doyle-Morris points this out when she writes about setting up your own business. There were a few points in her post that I could relate to, and it reminded me of a conversation I had recently with someone who left a big corporate to join an exciting start-up venture. But, with a young family, he found that the hours he was having to work and the intensity of a startup weren’t compatible with the rest of his life. Having recognised that, he’s moved on to a less stressful position and restored his balance.
So when an exciting project or new offer comes along – before you leap in with both feet, pause and think about what aspects you might be kidding yourself about in order to be persuaded that this opportunity is just perfect. You’re just as likely to work through them and still decide to take the job – but at least you will have thought them all through. And if there are some really tough ones in there and you decide to forfeit the opportunity… well, you’ve not lost anything that wouldn’t have involved a major sacrifice somewhere else, and someone else may be better positioned for that project right now.
What experiences have you had where you kidded yourself about a project – and how did they work out?
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Article by Vandy Massey
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