This post first appeared on The Essentialist.

In short: If you face an uncomfortable decision, ask yourself what advice you would give your friend. Then, apply this advice to your situation. You’d be a hypocrite to not take your own advice. Read below why this works.

Imagine this scenario. Your best friend is facing a tough decision and seeks your advice. She needs to decide between two jobs she got offered.

The first job is in line with the career path she has chosen and invested a lot of time and money in. This job guarantees a high salary and thus financial security. But today, she does not enjoy working in this field any longer.

The second job represents a career in a non-traditional field. She has no work experience but she has always been very interested in this field. The job aligns with her passions. The job pays average. But the work she will be doing will fulfill her. She will be happier.

What advice would give to your friend? Likely, you’d encourage her to take the leap and go after what she’s passionate about.