They never go away. Your victory is never final.

They confront you on a regular basis throughout your career.

They are able to sabotage or destroy your career if you don’t pay attention to them.

Hopefully, you’re more fearful than curious to know what they are, because your intensity in overcoming them will be greater. If you’re only inquisitive, your lackadaisical, ho-hum response will be to your demise.

Interestingly, the three battles you face seem innocuous enough. They merely appear to be simple choices—the kind you make on a regular basis. In reality, they control your very future.

The first is the choice of putting something off instead of using the momentum of the moment to engage. If you let it grow cold, you will have to resurrect the priority and intensity at a later date, which usually doesn’t happen until the eleventh hour. (Do you ever wonder about the source of procrastination?)

The second is the choice of over-scheduling instead of first evaluating your capacity to deliver what you commit to. It only takes a few of these lost battles and you prove yourself irrelevant. (Do you ever wonder why you are left out of the big discussions?)

The third is the choice of always finding fault instead of acknowledging that nothing is perfect, so take what you have and keep moving on. Not having enough time, resources or information to continue is a given. Grousing doesn’t help. (Do you ever wonder why you aren’t taken very seriously?)

This week, be fearful about the battles you face. Don’t allow your sense of dominance and competence lull you into defeat. Be focused. Be courageous. Be strong.