Wednesday Wisdom: It’s OK to say no

When it comes to doing something for your small one-person-run business, it’s hard to say “no.” When it’s something that can get you exposure, get your name out, make people aware of you, and maybe even make a profit? It’s hard to say no.

But when it’s something that keeps you up at night, keeps you restless, wakes you up early in the morning with worry, with stress? When it’s something you don’t feel the love for, don’t feel positive about, don’t feel you can do a good job with? It’s OK to say no.

I get it – it’s really hard to say no. Especially if you want to make a good name for yourself, want to impress or do good for the people who ask you, or feel an obligation to say yes. But in saying yes, are you being true to yourself? Are you really making a good name for yourself if you find yourself to be overextended, or if you wind up dropping the ball on either what you’ve been asked to do or other things that you’ve already committed to? Are you impressing the people who asked if you’re not being honest about your abilities in relation to their expectations? Are you only saying yes because of obligation, and not from love of the project? Then you should say no.

It’s OK to say no. It’s hard; but it’s OK. Saying no, being honest with yourself and others about your limitations, can be frightening and hard in the short term. But in the long run, it’s better. It’s OK.