Looking back on 2009 I’m coming to see that it has been defined as much by the opportunities that we didn’t pursue as the ones we did. Opportunities in years past we would have gone after with gusto. Maybe some of them would have led to bigger better things but my gut says that we probably dodged a number of bullets in 2009.
Every minute of our days is being tugged- “check this out”, “I have an idea”, “have you heard about this…” There is often a sense of panic, at least I can feel it, that I’m missing out on something “big”.
and maybe I am but I’ve made a conscious decision to be ok with that. Sure, I may miss out here and there but looking back I only have a handful of regrets from the past year- “gee, I wish I’d done that” kind of moments.
So I’m slowly learning to “just say no” to opportunities that aren’t the right fit. It goes against my entrepenureal spirit but maybe that’s the trick- finding the balance between success and happiness by saying no as much as yes.
Hey, Jeb.
It’s really tough to do, but can actually be a selfless act on your part. When you say yes to something that really isn’t in your sweet spot or just isn’t the right timing, you’re stealing opportunity from someone who could be a better fit. That’s what I tell myself whenever I have to say no. It’s a tough call most times when you just plain love new adventures. But then again, that’s probably why you started your own business in the first place.