I’ve written about facing rejection. But I’ve yet to write about rejecting others.
When you’re given an opportunity that may benefit you in the long run, it’s hard to say ‘no.’
And I had to confront such a case.
But I asked myself: “Would accepting this opportunity bring me closer to my North Star?”
Having gone through a personal litmus test, the answer was no.
Accepting this opportunity would not bring me closer to my North Star.
I informed them about my decision and wished them the best.
Yet, it hurts because the opportunity came from someone close to me, and they were hoping we would go through it together. That sounded nice, and I would have been ecstatic to work together.
But truthfully, I had to consider what it would mean for me more than what it would mean for our friendship.
My time is limited— I don’t have enough time in the world to do everything I’m curious about.
When you have a calling, you’ll be tempted by numerous opportunities, many of which may sound lucrative.
But when you realize how limited your time and resources are, then you’ll have to learn early on how to say ‘no’ so that you can focus intently on the things that deserve a ‘yes.’
This was the first time I had to go through it, and it sucks.
But this won’t be the last, so I must be firmly resolved.
I wish them the best of luck, and must honor my rejection by doing the work asked of me.