Do not index
Do not index
When you’re building a business, the opportunities to say yes seem endless. After more than four years of leading Lunch Pail Labs, I’ve faced this temptation countless times—especially when those opportunities come with dollar signs attached.
The True Cost of Saying Yes to the Wrong Work
We’ve all been there: a seemingly quick win—something outside your core business focus but too tempting to pass up—presents itself. You say yes, thinking it’ll be straightforward. But soon enough, that “quick” project spirals into a cycle of changes, delays, and drains on your energy. The real cost isn’t just financial; it erodes your momentum and morale.
Here are the true costs of saying yes to the wrong work:
- Loss of Focus: Diverting attention from your core business dilutes your focus on what truly matters, leading to missed opportunities in areas that align with your long-term vision.
- Time Drain: What seems like a minor task often demands more time and effort than anticipated, consuming valuable resources that could be better spent on aligned projects.
- Financial Implications: While the immediate payout might seem attractive, the long-term costs—time, revisions, and scope creep—can eat into your profitability. Even in downturns, it’s often wiser to focus on building your business and positioning yourself for aligned opportunities rather than chasing small side quests.
- Decreased Morale: Constantly shifting priorities and working on projects that don’t align with your core vision can lead to demotivation and burnout, decreasing engagement and satisfaction.
The Art of Saying No
Saying no isn’t easy—especially in a service-based business where the desire to please and make everyone happy is strong. But learning to say no is crucial for maintaining focus and ensuring that your work aligns with your core vision. Here are a few strategies I use to stay on track:
- Stubborn on Vision, Flexible on Execution: I prioritize work that supports my main objectives. Side projects may seem tempting, but they often distract and dilute my focus. I stick to what strengthens my core business and stay open to adapting my approach as long as it serves the overarching goals.
- Be Ready to Walk Away: Sometimes I get it wrong, and that’s okay. When a project needs to be changed or reevaluated, I document the learnings in a retrospective, realign my energy, and move on. Time and energy are too valuable to waste on something that isn’t working.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Our gut instincts can be incredibly powerful, especially in early-stage businesses where data might not always be available to guide every decision. If something doesn’t feel right, I trust that instinct and make a decision to keep moving forward.
This is just a glimpse of what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) about maintaining the focus needed to drive progress and build a sustainable, successful business. Do any of these lessons resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to send me a note.
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