One of the smartest things I've done, according to Mike Moran, was start this blog, Webmetricsguru.com.  Over a year later, I also chose to run for a Board Seat on the Web Analytics Association and recorded a podcast for the WAA on Measuring New Media. 

I didn't always make Smart Choices, as Seth Godin defines it, but I think making those choices is feels like the right thing to do.  I hope I get to go to Paris this summer and paint a little in Aix, following in footsteps of Paul Cezanne, my favorite painter - but weather that happens or not … it's a smart choice.

And if I do end up going - I'll blog from it extensively and make several online videos … just feels right … Marshall Sponder's thing … what I do.

According to Seth Godin:

"…Is George Clooney actually a great actor?
Or is he just great at making choices?

In 1789, you had just a few choices. Work for the potter in town, apprentice with your dad, of, if you were really smart, become a clergyman or possibly a teacher. That was it.

Today, not only do you have more choices, the variations in those choices matter more. Obvious choices, like, "should I quit my job today?", necessary choices like, "should I apply for a job at Google or an insurance company?" and more subtle choices–whether or not to start a blog, for example."

Having more "choices" also makes it harder to know which are the right ones for you.  Ever go into a restaurant and see a menu with a thousand items … which one do you order?  Maybe the same one all the time - because your used to it.

I'd like to think of Seth's advice in this light …. opportunities are always coming up … you just need to recognize them as opportunities and have the courage to take a step in the right direction.