I have been really enjoying listening and learning from Podcasts over the last year or so. One of my favorite podcast shows is The Tim Ferris Show. Tim’s goal is to dissect the habits of highly successful individuals that are at the top of their fields. Tim interviewed Seth Godin, writer of over 17 books about marketing. I borrowed this week’s email from Seth’s Blog. I felt like it was appropriate for our businesses. Hope you like it.
On saying “no”
If you’re not proud of it, don’t serve it.
If you can’t do a good job, don’t take it on.
If it’s going to distract you from the work that truly matters, pass.
If you don’t know why they want you to do this, ask.
If you need to hide it from your mom, reconsider.
If it benefits you but not the people you care about, decline.
If you’re going along with the crowd, that’s not enough.
If it creates a habit that costs you in the long run, don’t start.
If it doesn’t move you forward, hesitate then walk away.
The short run always seems urgent, and a moment where compromise feels appropriate. But in the long run, it’s the good ‘no’s that we remember.
On the other hand, there’s an imperative to say “yes.” Say yes and build something that matters.
