Do you ever find yourself going in a million directions at once?
Do you ever find yourself being tempted into some new opportunity when you’ve already got plenty of stuff going on?
Do you ever find yourself being really busy, but ultimately not living the life that you want?
Perhaps you need to learn this skill of saying NO.
This thought has occurred to me many times, however just recently I was reminded of it.
See, several months ago, I was actually a regular weekly contributor on a technology radio show. Every Saturday morning, I was on this radio show which was broadcast from 820AM WWBA here in the Tampa Bay area, but reached much of south Florida, all the way down to the Florida Keys. There is admittedly a bit of bragging rights to say you’re on the radio.
But, I quit. And just recently, I was offered another gig doing a Friday morning tech radio show here in Tampa. Once again, I turned it down.
Why?
Why would I stop doing something that others would think is so cool? Why would I stop being involved on a radio show, even though I could pimp my own website on the air every show?
I quit the show because it didn’t line up with my long-range plans. I might run a tech site, but ultimately my goal these days is helping bloggers make a living through their craft. So, becoming known as a computer geek on the radio just doesn’t fit my goals. Not only that, I was committing myself to a schedule. I had to create and prepare content for the radio each week. Guess what that reminds me of? Another J-O-B.
So, I said “NO”. Both to the show I was already on, as well as this latest opportunity which hit me this last week.
I don’t live to work. I work to live.
My efforts these days are primarily to help bloggers. I learned my craft by being a tech blogger. I am and always will be interested in computers and tech. I love that stuff and will continue to write on the subject for my PCMech.com readers. However, my professional emphasis has moved on. And my goals, for now, do not include growing my reputation as a technology guy.
The lesson here is learning to pick and choose your battles. Say YES to those things which further your goals. Say NO to those things which would take you away from your goals, even if that opportunity it enticing.
The ability to say NO without feeling self-doubt is crucial to your ultimate success in whatever you do, because there will always be shiny objects looking to distract you.
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