Just Say No

A particular member of the Bento team doesn’t particularly believe in luck. He says you make your own luck. Indeed, the success or failure of any individual person in their endeavours does seem to be down to their ability to create opportunities and then have the skills to see them have positive outcomes.

In building a new business, I’ve gone overboard in creating opportunities – I go to almost anything I’m invited to on the basis you never know who you’ll meet, I write to high profile people and generally operate on the basis that it’s free to ask.

Somewhat ironically then, some of the most amazing opportunities I’ve had this year have been the result of other people, companies and groups approaching me. Karma, luck, call it what you will – we’ve been incredibly fortunate this year.

The new challenge is that the universe has given us a wonderful array of opportunities… turning them successful, however requires time, energy and effort. This means that whilst you may want to do everything that lands in your lap, it gets to a point where it’s just not possible. You have to take a deep breath and say no to something.

Today I had to turn down a really phenomenal opportunity that less than 12 months ago I’d never have dreamed would be on the cards. Perhaps many people would think I’m crazy… but what’s the point in doing something if you can’t do it properly and to your complete capacity?

I’d be interested to hear what you think though – do you reckon people should just say no? Or is yes the secret to success?

Anyway… to the universe: thanks for so many opportunities, please don’t stop throwing them my way.