A matter of perspective

It happens when we make small, rational decisions that end up removing options over time.
Small decisions can lead to bad outcomes. At some point, alternatives disappear, thus we lose our optionality.

We are faced with options all the time, but life-altering ones often come up during times of great change. These options are the ones we have the hardest time capitalizing on.
If we’ve specialized too much, change is a threat, not an opportunity. Thus, if we aren’t certain where the opportunit...

This is also known as the coach’s dilemma.
Over-specializing in one area is highly limiting, especially if it requires extensive upkeep. Like a football player, we can retain optionality by avoiding overtly damaging risks and ensuring we stay in the game for as long as possible—whatever that g...

Preserving optionality means avoiding limiting choices or dependencies. It means staying open to opportunities and always having a backup plan.
The more options we have, the better suited we are to deal with unpredictability and uncertainty.