The noblest motive is the public good.

Work aimed at something larger than your own position holds up better than work aimed at yourself. Self-interest is a strong engine and a short one, running well while things go your way and stalling the moment they stop. A motive that includes other people keeps going through the parts where there is nothing in it for you, and it makes decisions simpler because the question is what the thing needs rather than what you get.

Take one decision you are weighing and ask what would be best for everyone it touches, not just for you. Where the two answers differ, sit with the gap before you choose.