Often we contemplate our decisions based on benefits and costs. It’s a practical methodology.

But it’s not the only way to make decisions.

Another way is identity-based decision-making. This is an approach that helps you avoid distractions and stay focused on your vision.

It’s the idea that you take on identities throughout life and during your career and those identities can drive your decisions.

Instead of making a T-chat with results and costs, think of the leader you aspire to be and ask yourself:

• What kind of leader do aspire to be?
• What kind of situation is this?
• What would a leader like me do in this situation?

Sometimes this approach allows you to live up to your own expectations and make decisions that force you to grow into the person you aspire to be.