Is This Really Want You Want?

Recently, several interesting business opportunities came my way. My first reaction was to jump at all of them - after all, who doesn't want to grow their business? But on closer evaluation, some of these opportunities were not quite right for my company. As I built up to the decision to say 'no' to one company, I was tense and worried - but the moment it was done, I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

The sense of relief reminded me of the last time I looked for a job. Five years ago, before I decided to start my business, I was out interviewing with various companies. One company was very keen to hire me to run their HR function. Everyone was very nice, but the job was just not for me. The culture wasn't right, the job wasn't exactly what I wanted, and the pay was much lower than I was used to. But despite all these flaws, I agonized over my decision.

What if this was the only offer I got?

What if I had misjudged the company?

What if all the future opportunities they were promising really did materialize?

In the end, I listened to the persistent little voice that told me to run far, far away from that job and - once the decision was made - I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was right.

So what does this all have to do with you? I guess I just wanted to remind you that it's important to consciously choose what you want to do, and that it's OK to say 'no' sometimes.