Category: Bal’s Friday Thought

You’ve probably heard the phrase, it’s hard to say sorry.

It’s even harder to say no.

Especially in particular settings such as work, home, etc..

Don’t let indecision ruin progress. If it’s a no, it’s a no. Be honest. Be straight. Be clear. People will respect you more.

Early(ish) in my career, there was a Vice President. He had a role in his organisation. I expressed an interest. He approached me. I was like.. wow! This guy, (senior) has approached me!! This is awesome!!

But on reflection – there were a lot of maybe’s. And as I was walking to his office to say, I’ll maybe consider it… I said no. I said, no… I don’t want to take this opportunity right now.

He said he was disappointed. I was too – for feeling like I’d let him down.

Then a few weeks later, he messaged me – Bal, I have a lot of respect for you, you said no. You didn’t mess me around.

Failure is a scary thing.

I coach/mentor a few folk. And was having a conversation with one of them recently about the fear of failure.

I usually ask them, regarding a particular situation, what is the worse that could happen?

You see, how we perceive failure today will be big. If something happened today – it’ll be huge. BUT… in a week?… in a month?… in a year?….

That’s because we learn from our failures. And that’s what makes us stronger and better.

A friend of mine recently started a new job. He’s a clever guy. Has lots of experience. But said he’s struggling a little. I said you will…

It’s a change in the culture, how they do things, you’ll be learning new ways of working, etc… the most important thing is that whilst you find it slightly difficult now in terms of adjusting and that you’re out of your comfort zone, in six months to a year, you’ll be fully embedded.

So if you’re embarking on something new… just remember, it gets easier… (Oh, and if you’re unsure about moving, just read the book… ‘Who moved my cheese?’)

When was the last time you had a rejection?

Went for a job and didn’t get it? Or were trying to follow your passion and get somewhere but it didn’t work out.

You’ve heard it before, right? – don’t give up, etc….

Damn right!! Don’t give up… here’s why…