Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Options?
How many times have we heard the expression “Keep your options open”? Or similarly, “Don’t burn any bridges”? At times in our lives, having too many options prevents us from moving forward in a chosen area. And burning a bridge or two can ensure we keep our focus on the present moment, rather than looking longingly at a past that no longer serves us.
There are occasions when the only way to guarantee success is when retreat is no longer an option. In the third century B.C. a Chinese general led his troops across the Yangtze River into enemy territory. Once there he burned their ships as a way to force them to move forward, eliminating the option of retreat. In so doing he guaranteed the success of the mission.
On an emotional level, the thought of having options can be comforting. It can also be a way of inhibiting our growth and fulfillment. When John (not his real name) started a new business venture, he did so while still employed full-time (a sensible choice at the time, since he needed his salary and benefits for his growing family). After a few years, though, his business stagnated. It never took off nor developed to the point where he could leave his job and devote himself to his business full-time. In our coaching sessions, it became apparent to John that he would have to devote himself to the growth of his business if he wanted it to reach the level that he knew it could. John realized that the time he spent at his full-time job was limiting his ability to bring his new business to the next level of success.
After establishing a series of small goals that would enable him to take the step of leaving his full-time job, John made great strides in the development of his company. He had been so busy using his job as a crutch of sorts (which gave him security) that he completely lost sight of how it was draining his ability to devote the necessary time and energy to his business. Once he retired from his job, he attained the success he’d dreamt of for so long.
It is important to examine the areas in our own lives that are being stilted and held back by our desire to “keep our options open.” After all, sometimes in life we need to identify an important mission and devote much of ourselves to its achievement. It’s difficult to open our arms to embrace the lives we want when we’ve already got our hands full sustaining the lives we have.
There are occasions when the only way to guarantee success is when retreat is no longer an option. In the third century B.C. a Chinese general led his troops across the Yangtze River into enemy territory. Once there he burned their ships as a way to force them to move forward, eliminating the option of retreat. In so doing he guaranteed the success of the mission.
On an emotional level, the thought of having options can be comforting. It can also be a way of inhibiting our growth and fulfillment. When John (not his real name) started a new business venture, he did so while still employed full-time (a sensible choice at the time, since he needed his salary and benefits for his growing family). After a few years, though, his business stagnated. It never took off nor developed to the point where he could leave his job and devote himself to his business full-time. In our coaching sessions, it became apparent to John that he would have to devote himself to the growth of his business if he wanted it to reach the level that he knew it could. John realized that the time he spent at his full-time job was limiting his ability to bring his new business to the next level of success.
After establishing a series of small goals that would enable him to take the step of leaving his full-time job, John made great strides in the development of his company. He had been so busy using his job as a crutch of sorts (which gave him security) that he completely lost sight of how it was draining his ability to devote the necessary time and energy to his business. Once he retired from his job, he attained the success he’d dreamt of for so long.
It is important to examine the areas in our own lives that are being stilted and held back by our desire to “keep our options open.” After all, sometimes in life we need to identify an important mission and devote much of ourselves to its achievement. It’s difficult to open our arms to embrace the lives we want when we’ve already got our hands full sustaining the lives we have.
posted by Deborah Avery at
11:41 PM
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