Capable people like to show they are capable by doing lots of things. People that see opportunity everywhere like to take advantage of those opportunities. Jugglers like to see how many balls they can juggle – and they find out when they start dropping them – usually all of them at once.
Saying yes to everything “because you can”, “because you think it would be interesting, fun, exciting and want to see what happens”, or “because someone asked you and you don’t want to disappoint them”, is a recipe for being overworked, unhappy, strained personal relationships, and ultimately failing or not finishing many of the projects you started.
Focus your talents, time and energies on one, or just a few things in this chapter of your life, and be great at them.
It’s ok. Just say no.
Hi Larry,
My name is Maranda. I’m 24 – I live in DC and I have this crazy and beautiful life ahead of me.
Most mornings when l see your posts, I smile like I just learned a secret or catch my breath at the wisdom I captured.
Today though- I confess, I must disagree with your chapter on Yes Man. I think that too many of us in life say no more than we say yes. We do this to protect ourselves and we miss out on the great things we feel are beyond our skill set or expertise. I see this more in women, unfortunately.
I get that you are trying to implore us to be sensible about how much we can take on at once but I belive that in this life, you don’t know what you can handle until you try. Life tends to give you most what you need practice in. Tell your readers not to be afraid. They CAN do this.
Thank you for everything,
M
Larry, thanks for posting this! It is so true, in my business I have the capabilities to do many things and when I end up saying yes to things I really should say no too, it ends up costing me more time and money! I feel you can be “good” at a lot of thing but I choose to be “great” at few things! It certainly pays off in the long run. Thanks again, I truly appreciate your wisdom.
It’s part of maturing and knowing and being the best judge of your own capabilities. It’s ok to fail at something that only affects ourselves. It’s when there is the chance that your possible failure impacts someone else, we must look inward to our true capacity of competence. You will therefore be much more respected and trusted by your piers, superiors and customers, because they will trust your judgement.. At least for me, I hate to let anyone down….especially myself. Thanks Larry
Don
I said no today and man did it feel good!
When I was younger I would have said yes and everyone around me suffers.
say yes to Wisdom!