It’s hard to say no to great opportunities, even when you don’t actually have time for them or they’re not in line with your top priorities. Let’s face it: Most of us succeed early in our careers by saying yes to almost everything. We’re afraid to say no, so we overcommit. But learning to say no is the only way to find the focus and productivity you need to become great at what you really want to do. You’ll only make progress on your most meaningful long-term goals if you carve out dedicated time for them. So the next time an exciting invitation or opportunity comes along, think carefully about the time involved. In addition to the commitment itself, is there planning or prep work to do? What’s the travel time? Will there be follow-up? Thinking this through will make the ROI (or lack thereof) clearer.
Adapted from "How to Say No to Things You Want to Do," by Dorie Clark
