While it may seem strange, one of the key requirements for success is knowing when to walk away from a great opportunity. Sometimes it is essential to "just say no."
Very few of my clients or colleagues are tempted to pursue dumb ideas. It's the great ideas that seduce and temp and distract them! Sure, high achievers get caught in unproductive relationships or environments from time to time, but successful people don't stay stuck very long.
What I see more often are highly effective people who are invited to participate in a great opportunity, get excited about it and later discover they are trapped doing something they never intended to pursue.
Ambitious people are always looking for chances to learn, to grow, to expand their lives and achieve greater success. And, opportunities abound! We are flooded with invitations!
Successful people are incredibly attractive! Community organizations want you on their boards. They want your skills, your talents, your energy and your optimism precisely because great people do make a difference. Friends and colleagues want your advice, your experience and wisdom. And, your family wants you at home! Because of this, highly effective people must learn to make careful choices. It is essential to be able to "just say no."
This recently came home to me in a very personal way. I was invited to participate in a new business venture. I am very impressed with it. I think it's a great idea, and some people are going to get rich. On top of that, I love the values and culture of the place. It's wonderful! But, it means re-focusing my energies in the coming months. It would mean putting my book on hold. It would mean more time working with my partner, but it would require more travel, more stress and more "busy-ness."
How should I sort it all out? These are difficult questions and success requires that we have a strategy for answering them.
Here is the paradox: Highly successful people are innovators and "early adopters." They are able to see the "next big thing." They are flexible, open, creative and respond eagerly to new opportunities. And highly successful people don't chase fads. They have a plan, and they work their plan over time, always moving in the direction they want to go. They make commitments and once committed, they rarely change their minds.
As a rule, I suspect highly successful people say "no" to at least ten great opportunities for every one they accept. Because they keep things simple and straight-forward, highly effective people are rarely distracted, over-committed or frazzled.
Here are my suggestions for two questions to ask about the enticing possibilities that come your way:
- First, ask yourself, "Will this opportunity improve or expand my current long-term goals, values and priorities? Is this a bigger goal? Will this enlarge or deepen the quality of my contribution?" If the answers are yes, then consider playing the bigger game. Otherwise, politely "just say no!"
- Next, ask yourself, "Is this a tool that will assist me in reaching my current goals faster or easier?" Changes in technology are constantly providing us with new tools. If the opportunity will make you more efficient, you might want to say yes. Otherwise, "just say no!"
Highly successful people know where they are going and how they will get there. They are not easily distracted, even by very real opportunities to change direction or focus. Success does not come from chasing every opportunity, no matter how real. It certainly does not result from seeking a "quick fix" or "instant riches." Successful people quickly adopt new tools, but they rarely change their direction in life. While they may immediately understand the advantages of new technology or try a new technique, when it comes to the basics, they endure, they persevere, they wisely "stay the course
Dr. Philip Humbert writes a free weekly newsletter that is packed with both practical and inspirational information to help you build your business, have less stress and create the life you really want.
Full Author Profile -->
PRINT THIS
