Between good and bad, it can be easy to decide which one to say yes to and which one to say no to. But between good and good, it can be a bit challenging. If you can say yes to both, go ahead and say yes to both. But what if you need to choose just one between the two?
Here are three criteria that you can use to choose between and among opportunities that may come your way: competence, cashflow, congruence.
Competence. Before saying yes to an opportunity or request, ask yourself these questions — Do I have the competence to do this? Do I have the knowledge and skills to perform it? If I am not competent to do it, can I acquire the necessary competence so I can do it?
If you say yes to these questions, proceed to the next criterion.
Cashflow. Saying yes to certain things can cost you time, money, and effort. It is just right to include finances in your criteria. Ask yourself – Can I afford to perform this? Do I have the funding to make it through? Will I earn from this? Will the cash inflow bigger than the cash outflow?
If you say yes to these questions, do not say yes yet; you have to move to the next criterion.
Congruence. Alignment or congruence is a big thing. The things that you do should be aligned to your values, to what you believe in. If you do not value what you are doing, it will be difficult to give your best in it. Hence, ask yourself – Do I support what this stands for? Do I agree with what they believe in? Do I subscribe to their vision, mission, values, philosophy, and work ethics?
These criteria have been helpful to me even to options between good and bad, and even options between two good opportunities. At certain times, I am faced with two good requests but due to limited time, I have to choose. These three criteria have been guiding me in my choices.
The next time you are faced between and among several options, consider these three things: competence, cashflow, and congruence.
Now, go and choose what you need to choose so you can do what you are meant to do. Echoing Brendon Burchard, let me tell you, “Do not just do busy work. Do your life’s work!” Let me say it again, know when to say no so you can say yes to what you need to say yes to.
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, DTM is an inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and a growth coach. His fourth book ‘SPEAK: How to Craft and Deliver a Speech or Presentation with Competence and Confidence’ is available at Mt. Cloud Bookshop and at Soledad Religious Store, Porta Vaga Mall, Baguio City. Follow him on Facebook at http://fb.com/chrisdaoanis. For talks and trainings, email him at info@chrisdaoanis.com.)
