by Kevin L. Baker, MBA
Saying “no” can be hard for many people in business and in life. My son Josh reminded me recently that I had trouble saying “no” to opportunities for awhile. He was right. When I was younger, the most important anchor in life was my family. If it was not good for my marriage or being there for my kids I would say “No.”
The Cost of Success
Then my kids left the nest, and I was at a point in life where success had arrived and I was in demand.
Recruiters were regularly messaging me on Linked In offering executive opportunities in companies with national name recognition. Because I wanted to say “yes” and had a hard time saying “no,” I started losing focus. Since I would explore opportunities initially saying “yes,” too many opportunities brought stress and strife into my life, my marriage, and my inner life.
The Wisdom of Setting Boundaries
In the 1990’s, I read a book called “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. As a result, I I learned many valuable relationship lessons. James Altucher writes a most relevant comentary on boundaries:
If someone wants to do a big deal with you, it’s hard to say “no.” But “no” is valuable for many reasons, and one big one in particular: Opportunity cost. Instead of pursuing something you really don’t want to do, you could free up time and energy to find something more lucrative or something you would enjoy more. Opportunity cost is the biggest cost in all of our lives. We spend it like there’s no tomorrow. And guess what? Eventually there’s no tomorrow. When I say “yes” to something I don’t want to do, I end up hating myself, hating the person I said “yes” to, doing a bad job, and disappointing everyone. I try really hard not to do it anymore.
The Road To Inner Freedom Hinges on These Two Words
In life and business be careful what you say “yes” and “no” to. It is critical to understand who you are and what you do and stay there. I am an advocate of saying “yes” to experience freedom and inner peace with yourself, and success in your doings.
Do you need help in this area? Message me for a free consultation. I want to help. I have been there too.
Kevin