Hi friends,
To begin with - one announcement and one request.
The announcement: I’m slowing down over the coming period to spend more time with my family, so I will temporarily change the cadence of the newsletter from weekly to monthly.
The request: As I plan the next few letters, I want them to be as tailored and helpful to you as possible. Please reply directly to this email, mentioning what topics are most relevant to you.
Now, to this week’s letter - how to choose when you have options.
It may not surprise you that if you have the right application strategy, mindset, and preparation, the next problem you’ll have is deciding between several amazing paths.
For instance, you have been accepted into an MBA programme, received offers from two consulting firms, a PE fund, and an AI start-up, and are even considering starting your own venture with a friend.
How amazing, right?
Somehow, when faced with so many options, most people experience anxiety, not overwhelming joy.
Decision fatigue, FOMO, etc., all play a big role in somehow making you doubt yourself regardless of choice.
If I’ve learned one thing, it's that this happens when people don't know what they are optimising for.
Let me explain - every potential path makes sense if it leads to where you want it to go.
The issue?
Most people are not sure where they want to go. And they avoid thinking about it as much as possible.
So instead, they either do what everyone else around them is doing (which explains why most university graduates nowadays go into consulting or investment banking) or whatever seems more shiny.
Now, why is it so difficult to have clarity on where you want to go and who you want to be?
Because we live in very privileged times, where we are showered with options, and in a culture where we’re constantly assaulted by the inflated lifestyles of others rather than spending time in the quiet space of our own minds.
To a certain extent, we become disconnected from who we are and what we are interested in.
So then what?
Basically, when people have too many options, I always recommend that they stop and think.
This is somehow both easier and harder than you think.
Take a long walk, for instance. Reflect on the things that have always given you joy. Try mentally projecting yourself into the future to the sort of career you wish you’d have in twenty years (not the next 3) and the sort of person that you want to become.
Once you have a better understanding of that, figure out which of your options is most aligned with that vision.
At this point, for most people, 80% of their options drop.
They realise on their own that some of the things they were considering were only because they looked shiny and interesting, not because they were genuinely passionate about them.
If you still can't decide between the remaining options at this point, I suggest two further things.
One, speak with a few people from both career paths/organisations to understand how they are finding their roles. Get a sense of the vibe.
Second, follow your gut. To a certain extent, we all have a natural inclination to one thing over another. Be honest with yourself in finding out which one is most relevant to you.
That’s it.
Looking forward to hearing from you in the meantime.
The next letter will come in about a month’s time.
Until then,
Cristian
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