The Concept of Choice
No matter how you feel about the idea of choice, it’s pretty much unavoidable; especially when it comes to your career. Making strategic career choices keeps you moving towards your short-term - and longer-term goals.
Yet making intentional choices is one of the top challenges my career coaching clients face. Whether you hesitate, procrastinate, or rationalize rather than making a choice about your next steps, you’re standing still (or worse, maybe regressing) by sitting in indecision.
I get it. Sometimes we don’t like any of the choices in front of us and avoidance kicks in. But you and I both know this is counterproductive.
The top reasons people struggle with choice:
● The inability to be objective
● Having too many choices is overwhelming
● Fear the choice they make is set in stone (no turning back)
● So stuck they can’t see any choices at all
As a career management coach, I support my clients with these types of decisions. I coach them to break through whatever is keeping them from clarity with their options for moving forward, and to then proactively identify and consider their choices (without a lot of judgment!) so they have a plan A, B, and sometimes even a plan C.
Maybe you’re trying to make a career-related choice. It could be about changing your attitude, your workstyle, or approach; learning something new;changing jobs or career paths; getting a promotion; or creating your retirement plan. Regardless of the type of choice, I can help you use the power of choice to your benefit.
But 1st… What the Heck is Choice?
Let’s put a clear label on what choice really is. It’s the act of decision-making - of taking two or more possibilities and choosing the best option for you. Keep in mind, “best” is a relative term.
In both your life and career, you’ll come to places where choice is absolutely necessary to move forward. Sometimes there’s a clear winner. Other times, each choice can seem like its own boobie prize. And choice isn’t a certain size or intention. It can be a small daily action or response you’re looking to add, change, or remove, or it can be something larger, new and completely different.
That’s when having greater clarity around what you want (your GOAL) and having the professional guidance of a career coach can help you navigate the choice process.
Why Knowing How to Manage Choice Is Important
When you don’t feel like you have choices in your career (p.s., You always have them, you may not like them!) to move up, to change careers, or even to make a lateral change, you’re stuck. Without clear options, work can quickly feel like a heavy obligation with no clear way forward.
Being able to choose is empowering - it provides a sense of control and independence, leading to greater job satisfaction. You have the power to choose your attitude, approach, or response to challenges. Realizing this power will give you the confidence to make choices that align your career goals with your personal values, goals, and interests.
Even the least popular choices come with freedom, flexibility, and a new direction. You may have to make more than one choice to get where you ultimately want to land, but you do HAVE choices.
Sometimes, it’s a matter of reframing your mindset to one of curiosity, really exploring where each choice can lead you.
Here is a helpful Harvard Business Review article on How To Make Better Decisions About Your Career.
The Reality of Choice
● Not all choices are created equal, but knowing you have agency even in tough scenarios can minimize those feelings of being stuck.
● Choices are rarely permanent; making one decision today doesn’t mean being locked in forever, which can reduce pressure and fear.
● Careers are marathons, not sprints—decisions can be revisited or adjusted over time.
● When there are too many choices, overwhelm and self-doubt can keep you from making any decisions at all.
Support through coaching leads to greater self-awareness, objectivity, and confidence when making choices. In fact, seeking support is a choice in and of itself!! Should you engage me as your career management coach, I will help you see all the different angles and perspectives so you can see your choices differently.
Schedule a call with me today to see how I can help you move forward with your career decisions. Here’s to the concept of CHOICE, and the power it gives to you!