The Difference Between Success and Mediocrity
Too often, when we’re running our businesses, things that seem like a good idea pop up out of nowhere, and we get distracted by the new shiny thing.
My wife and I have a rule that we borrowed — well, stole, really — from Derek Sivers: It’s a “Hell yeah!”, or it’s a “No”. If it’s not a “Hell yeah!”, then it’s a “No”. If we’re not together on the same page at the same time thinking this is going to be great, this is exactly what we’ve been looking for, this is what we need… If we don’t have that kind of response to the opportunity, then it’s a no.
There’s no formula, there’s no spreadsheet, to say that this is a “Hell yeah!”, that’s not a “Hell yeah!”. To some degree, it’s always going to be a gut reaction, but we also work to train ourselves and to train our gut reactions and our gut impulses by being very clear on what it is that we want, and what we’re trying to achieve, and what actually fits with our goals, our desires, our dreams; with the vision that we’re trying to create.
Some people focus on the negative side of having that vision because they’re worried they’re going to have to start saying, “No”. And we get concerned about saying no to things too much. We’re going to start saying no to opportunities. We’re going to start saying no to people. You’ll even say no to things that you can’t believe you’re saying no to, things that seem like fantastic opportunities, people that seem like great partners, great staff… But if they don’t fit that vision, if it’s not a “Hell yeah!”, then it’s a “No”.
Remember that every “No” is an opportunity for a true “Yes” that is going to bring your business closer to the vision you have for it, and that is going to bring you closer to the vision you have of the life you want to live. And that is the difference between success and mediocrity.
Thanks for reading! If you found this post useful, please share it with your social media communities! If you would like to discuss this or any other financial matters — including taxes, retirement, financial planning, or starting and running a business — schedule a FREE consultation with JWellsCFO.
