The Client Letter
May 13, 2013
The Northland
Sunny Enough, 40 Degrees
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No one cares how you spend your time. But given that life is short and it can be over in a blink, you owe it to yourself to invest your time in things that are worthy of you.
Most of us aren’t taught to think like that. Instead, we’re trained to worry about how worthy we are in the eyes of others.
We care more about getting picked than about picking what’s right for us.
Over the years, I’ve developed quite the ability to get involved in projects I have no business getting involved in.
I’m getting better, but sometimes I still wake up, look around, and ask myself what the (*&^ I was thinking. And then I have to make the decision to extract myself, even if I look stupid in the process.
Admitting my mistake and moving on, even if I look dumb, is more important than wasting a day of my life that I should have spent elsewhere.
This is going to sound cocky, but so be it. For the right person, this next sentence could be the push you need to change your life:
I’ve spent far too much time pursuing opportunities too small for my skills and talents.
Two bad things happen when you do this. I’m speaking about clients here, but this lesson is applicable on a lot of levels.
When you reach down for opportunities that are “below you,” that means that time and effort can’t be invested in something better.
This is obvious. And it’s dangerous. You’re using up a portion of your life with that decision.
The second problem is that you start to identify with this “lower level” and you forget that being your best and executing at the highest level you can is how you grow.
To be frank, I think we do this simply as a way NOT to truly shine. It’s a form of self preservation. There’s less risk to our ego when we’re sure we’re the best person on the project.
Have the guts to send the clients away that aren’t right for you. Look around at who you’re working with. Who needs to go?
There is little more empowering than standing up and taking control of your own boat. It’s freakin’ scary at first. If you need help, get it. But when you feel that feeling that comes with being your own driver, you might just get addicted to it.
This is your life we’re talking about here. This isn’t a dress rehearsal.