It’s funny how some of us need the same advice over and over and over again. But what’s even more interesting is the point when it finally kicks in. This concept has always been difficult for me. I didn’t want to let people down, I wanted to appear eager and excited and able. Saying “no” just wasn’t an option. Over and over again, my friends, colleagues and supervisors had to give me the advice in that post – just say no!
Today, a friend and blog reader approached me about an opportunity to volunteer with a networking group here in Chicago. I looked at the website, got a little excited, but a voice inside me immediately said, “You don’t have time for this.” Two years ago, I would have signed up, agreed to do it, and months later collapsed into a crying mess on my living room floor because I hadn’t had time that week to do anything but work and volunteer. I guess I’ve come a long way when I immediately recognized that my plate is full.
One of the pieces of advice I posted two years ago has been instrumental in my learning curve of this concept. “Think of your ideas and thoughts as proprietary information.” And now, go even a step further. Think of your time as proprietary. Giving your ideas and your time to someone or something is giving a piece of you away. Ask yourself if you’re being fairly compensated in dollars, fulfillment or excitement for those ideas and that time. You only have so much to give. And right now, with a new job and already failing to find time for a number of organizations I care about, I know the right answer is, “No.” Funny how long it took me to learn that.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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