Your Sorting Hat: On navigating friction, choosing to remember, and solving for 'how'
Career Tuesday
Careers, Life and Questions (May 06, 2025)
Wish you a Happy Career Tuesday!
3 Career Ideas
I.
"Friction signals -> focus here.
The task you keep postponing? That conversation you’re avoiding? That decision you're overthinking?
That’s where growth hides.
Instead of escaping friction, walk into it—with a system, a support structure, or just 15 focused minutes."
II.
"The sharper your edge, the faster your rise.
Most professionals are generalists by default. But the marketplace rewards those who build one world-class spike—a standout skill that sets them apart.
What’s your edge? Is it visible on your resume, LinkedIn, and to your manager?"
III.
"Stop asking whether you can. Ask how.
“Can I switch careers after 30?”
“Can I earn more as a freelancer?”
“Can I make this work with kids at home?”
The better question is—how will I do it?
Your career opens up the moment you replace doubt with strategy."
2 Life Quotes from Books
I.
Rick Rubin, legendary music producer, in The Creative Act, on embracing the unknown:
"Being open and nonjudgmental allows for magic. Certainty is the enemy of creativity."
Source: Book: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
II.
Katherine Center, novelist, in Happiness for Beginners, on choosing to remember and forget:
"The things we remember are what we hold on to. And what we hold on to becomes the story of our lives."
Source: Book: Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center
1 Question
What’s one ‘how’ question you’ve been afraid to ask?
- Ask it today. To your mentor, manager, coach—or even to yourself. It might unlock your next breakthrough.
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Until next week,
Devashish Chakravarty
Author of YourSortingHat
Columnist for Careers at The Economic Times