Own the Choice, Not Every Outcome

Before a decision, separate responsibility from control. Write down three things: the choice you own, the assumption behind it, and what depends on other people or circumstances.

For example: “I’ll ask for a chance to lead this project because I want to practise setting direction. I can prepare and make the request; the answer is someone else’s decision.” If the answer is no, you can review your approach without treating another person’s choice as yours to control.

This small note makes commitment clearer—and gives you a fair way to learn afterward: Did I make the decision I intended, with the information I had?