I was invited to attend an event, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to go. It would have been fun, the people involved were nice, and it might even have led to some business opportunities.
But, I had a speech I needed to finish writing on the same day and I knew I wouldn’t be able to get it done if I said yes to the invitation.
Still, I felt bad about saying no. Do you ever feel like that?
I like what Derek Sivers says, “It’s either HECK YEAH! Or No.”
This event wasn’t a HECK YEAH! so I politely declined. I got my speech done and felt great.
We are all busy and we can’t do everything. We have to make decisions all day long on what we allow to take up our precious time.
This is a way to reclaim some of that time. When an opportunity comes along, give it the “HECK YEAH! Or No” test. If you’re not excited about the idea, don’t do it.
Simple.
Liberating.
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”
–Steve Jobs
This leaves you more time to do what matters most. And that’s key. I’m not talking about saying no as a reflex, or because you’re feeling lazy, or you just want to binge watch Limitless on Netflix (I’m not doing that. Who told you I was doing that?). I’m talking about being strategic about what you say yes to.
There are countless opportunities for you in the world. If you spend your time on the ones that are just good, you won’t have time for the truly great ones that feed your Passionate Purpose.
I am using this test to plan my calendar, business appointments, and even my leisure time. Why spend your life doing things that aren’t HECK YEAHs?
Give it a try and let me know how it goes for you.
I want to give as many people as possible my free eBook, 5 Steps to Finding Your Purpose. Please forward this to a friend who needs it. If they click here, they can get the free eBook.
Let’s GO!