What don’t you do?
It’s easy to be swept into a series of things just by being afraid to tell people no:
- Oh, yeah I can do that.
- Sure, I’ll figure it out.
- Yeah, I’m your one-stop-shop.
Don’t get me wrong, I think there’s benefit to being a jack of all trades and being well-rounded. This is a favorite quote of mine:
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein
That said, at a certain point you have to define what you don’t do.
Saying “yes’ leads to a lot of things – including more opportunities, interesting connections and creative idea sex.
But saying no – and making a list of what you don’t do – is often as important (if not more) than your list of what you ”have”to do.
Here’s the thing: If you choose to do everything – then the things you do have no importance, no priority. But, by choosing the few things that you don’t do, you give meaning and importance to what you do choose to do.
What do you don’t do? If you haven’t figured it out yet, you might want to make that list before you make your “to do” list for the day.
Joel,
This is an excellent corollary to your post on this site from a couple of years ago “How To Get Over The Perfectionist’s Dilemma”.
As a recovering procrastinator, I read that article every time I start planning my next project. It has been so helpful, thank you sir.
In regards to this post, things I don’t do in order to keep focus on the important/meaningful things:
*Keep email open –> That way I’m don’t jump at every request. This also includes no apps on the phone.
*Subscribe to cable tv–> More time to spend on family, friends, and high ROI projects
*Read the news–> It’s all spin to make you unsettled and designed to make you want to spend $. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter with other people to ask what is going on in the world.
*Use an RSS reader–> I have a handful of sites bookmarked and check those to know what is important (NONE are news sites). Keeps me from the death spiral of procrastination.
*Use social media–> That stuff is designed suck as much time/attention as you can throw at it.
*Drink caffeine after 12pm–> Keeps me sleeping like a baby.
Rock on brother Joel.
Amen brother! I’m a sculptor carver and master furniture maker. Specialising in 17th and 18th century French provincial. Isn’t that enough?? Not a great business man so I end up doing a lot of repairs and refinishing of production furniture because I can’t say no. And business isn’t booming. Feels like I’m in a trap and waisting my talent
Awesome reminder. I’d be rolling out a product shortly and I will take this to heart when I start meeting the customers
Great post. I LOVE the quote and am adopting it for my collection. 🙂
Great article joel and tis concept applies to so many different aspects of life from the people you associate , your friends, your family, the projects you take on ,the activites you spend your time on ,etc
Saver of sanity is the power to say “No!” ….and mean it. I don’t do weddings though I’m licensed to do so. Why? I retired and the stress….yes, brides and mothers can drive me wild doing a rehearsal….so, as a retiree, I don’t do weddings.
I don’t do garage sales. Wifey does. Guess she gets tired of hitting the dashboard and saying, ‘shame on you for not stopping.’ So, once in a while I stop…but I don’t get out…she does.
I don’t do women’s couns’eling…..would you believe they still come on to me at my retirement age. Let them find a way to proposition me if they think I’m available. I’m not.
I don’t do political advisement.
I don’t jump to aid someone who wants to tell me about their accident, or husband’s faults, or listening ears.
Yep, gotta say ‘no.’ The power of “No” gives us power to say ‘Yes.’