Don’t Excel At A Task Just Because You Can, Think Of The Consequences

Sometimes we get stuck doing things we don’t really want to do. Being impressively good at a task can often put you in the position of having to do it because you’re good at it, not because you want to do it. Remember this before you take on a new job or task.

Photo by OakleyOriginals

Many of us get roped into fixing computers, working on cars, and other tasks just because we can handle them. Your boss may ask you to fill in for a different position “just this once”, or a family member might ask you to fix something one time. If you’re too good at the job they will probably ask you to do it again, even though you don’t really want to.

Instead, when you’re confronted with those things you know you’re good at but don’t want to, be adequate without going above and beyond. That way you won’t stand out among others who actually do want the job, you have time to get back to the things you really want to do, and you avoid feeling stuck doing things you don’t want to do.