“You’re Way Too Smart to Compromise”—It’s Time to Get Out of Your Own Way
The biggest obstacle in your life isn’t your circumstances—it’s your mind. And I know this from personal experience.
Fifteen years ago, I took a solo trip to Argentina, a much-needed escape from the whirlwind of life back home. One afternoon by the pool, I found myself deep in conversation with an Australian traveler, and as fate would have it, she was a therapist. (Apparently, I attract them!) We talked about where I was in my life—stuck, unsure, and settling for less than I knew I deserved.
Then, she said something that hit me like a lightning bolt:
“You’re way too smart to compromise.”
That single sentence was a wake-up call. It forced me to confront a truth I had been avoiding: I was the one holding myself back. I had been letting fear, self-doubt, and comfort keep me from pursuing my real potential. In that moment, I made a decision. When I got home, I would explore three different paths:
Take the GMAT and apply to business school.
Take the State Department exam to become a diplomat.
Take the LSAT to pursue mediation.
This conversation wasn’t just about career plans—it was about reclaiming my focus. I realized that my previous trip to Australia, five years earlier, had been a way to escape the emotional turmoil of losing a parent and ending a long-term relationship. But now, having (somewhat) stabilized that part of my life, I was ready to shift my energy towards something bigger—something that aligned with who I truly am.
Looking back, I also understood why I wasn’t crushed when a job opportunity fell through before that trip. Deep down, I knew it would have just been more of the same, and I was ready for more—ready to stop compromising.
Here’s the thing: we all face moments where we compromise—where we settle for less because it’s easier than facing the discomfort of change. But you’re way too smart to let that happen. Don’t let your mind be the gatekeeper that stops you from reaching your full potential. It’s time to get out of your own way and start playing the long game.
You’re not here to settle. You’re here to thrive.
