Why saying ‘Yes’ to opportunities means setting up yourself for failure

Hanane is telling me about how she has this work opportunity that she doesn’t want to loose. Both she and I know that she doesn’t have the time for it right now.

The reason many of us fail to succeed is because we can’t let go. We’re afraid to loose opportunities. We say ‘yes’ to every single one.

By doing that, we dilute our efforts. We can’t focus on one project, nor one direction, nor one niche. We try to do everything at once. We try to ‘be’ everything at once. Those of us who are like that, constantly fail to succeed.

Yes, failure is good. It helps us grow and learn. Yet, we have to be careful. This ‘failure-is-good’ philosophy only applies when we fail despite our best efforts; despite our 100% focus and attention.

When we dilute our focus and attention 4 ways (25% each way), and then fail, please let’s not claim that ‘failure-is-good’. Let’s not claim that failure is a learning experience. We all know that 25% effort can’t create a success at anything.

When we’re afraid to loose opportunities; when we say ‘Yes’ to all of these opportunities, be set ourselves up for failure. We accept to play a game we can’t win at.

Seth Godin failed at 300 businesses so that he can succeed at a few. The trick is that he was 100% dedicated and focused on one business at a time.

Alternately, we too can fail at 300 businesses. The difference is that we won’t succeed at any if them when we’re working on 2 or more at a time.

One of the key ingredients to success, is for us to be ready to turn down tempting opportunities for the sake of focus. One idea at a time. One project at a time. One vision at a time.

Hanane, take up all opportunities and fail to succeed at all of them. Loose all opportunities but one, and succeed over and over again.

Yours,
Will

Twitter: @williamchoukeir