The easiest way to make a decision.

Twice in the past two weeks I’ve had clients ask me how to make a decision about their next step.

"How do I make sure I’m making the right choice?”

In both instances, each client identified the pros of the positions -- the salary, benefits, people, culture, location, etc. I call these “extrinsic” factors, meaning factors outside of yourself.

The trick with extrinsic factors is that they cease to provide satisfaction the moment they are fulfilled; meaning that if you choose a job because you want to make six figures then the moment you make six figures it ceases to be motivating.

Extrinsic factors are important, but should never be in the first position.

On the other hand, intrinsic factors have a slow burn rate. Choosing something based on internal alignment generates energy and satisfaction.

Based on this, let me share the clearest question I’ve found for making a decision about your next career move:

Does that move get you closer to, or further from, your authentic self?

In other words, by taking that role, do you move from a “70% me” job to an “80% me” job?

If you’ll be less authentic more of the time, don’t take it.

In both instances, the clients I was working with said, "No, I will not become more authentic."

Done.