The Law of Trade-Offs

When you’re first starting out in your career, it’s not very hard to give up or grow up. In fact, you’re willing to give up everything for an opportunity because your “everything” isn’t much of anything. But what about when you’ve started to earn some things; a job you enjoy, a good salary, a home, a community you’ve become part of, a level of security? Are you willing to give up those things for a chance at doing something that will take you closer to your potential?

Truths about Trade-Offs

1. Trade-Offs are available to us throughout life
2. We must learn to see trade-offs as opportunities for growth
3. Trade-Offs force us to make difficult personal changes
4. The loss of a trade-off is usually felt long before the gain
5. Most trade-offs can be made at any time
6. A few trade-offs come only once
7. The higher you climb, the tougher the trade-offs
8. Trade-Offs never leave us the same
9. Some trade-offs are never worth the price

Trade-Offs Worth Making

1. I am willing to give up financial security today for potential tomorrow
2. I am willing to give up immediate gratification for personal growth
3. I am willing to give up the fast life for the good life
4. I am willing to give up security for significance
5. I am willing to give up addition for multiplication

* Source: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell