Saying “No” to Opportunity

It’s your choice.

Life is filled with small choices that ultimately determine your “destiny”.

I’m not just talking about choices you make, but also, the choices you choose not to make. A “no” is as legitimate of a chocie as “yes”. Sometimes, a decision not to take on another “good opportunity” or a decision not to schedule another meeting can become a game-changer for our productivity.

Unfortunately, too many people choose to take on much more than they can execute. This often comes at the price of losing credibilty, trust, and focus. As addictive as new opportunities may be for the idea-lover, we must (yes, MUST) do our best to stay focused. I often ask myself questions like “Does this new opportunity really build towards my goals or is it eye-candy that will distract or drail me?”, “Am I pursuing this to pad my ego or will it bring the kind of result that helps our company’s efforts?”, and “Is the opportunity strengthen my core competencies or will I have to fake my way through execution?”

Our “no’s” to opportunities are often the pathways to accomplishing what matters most.

Isn’t it true that sometimes our “no’s” reveal more about us than our “yes'”?

What do you say “no” to?