Buzz
Every day, we are faced with a multitude of new opportunities. Deciding which ones to embrace can often be a difficult decision. However, learning to decline certain offers is crucial for achieving success. It's impossible to take on every opportunity that comes our way.
Recently, Inc shared valuable insights from Kevin Kelly, the founder of Wired, on the art of saying no, which he refers to as 'the immediacy filter.'
“One of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from author Anne Herbert. She suggested that whenever an invitation for an event months or even a week in the future arises, ask yourself if you would agree to it if it were happening tomorrow. Often, the answer is no. I’ve adopted this immediacy principle regularly, and it has proven to be incredibly effective.”
The concept behind this strategy is straightforward: generally, we place higher value on things we can obtain immediately rather than waiting for them in the future. For example, you’d likely prefer to enjoy a chocolate chip cookie now instead of waiting two weeks for me to give you one.
On the flip side, agreeing to speak at your friend’s community event next month might seem appealing, but if you imagine it happening tomorrow, you might find it’s something you’d rather avoid.
Many opportunities may appear worthwhile in theory, but if the thought of doing the same thing tomorrow doesn’t excite you, it’s probably best to decline.
Of course, this approach doesn’t apply to every situation. Some valuable opportunities might not be thrilling. However, considering how you’d feel if the opportunity were immediate can help you evaluate its true worth and decide whether it’s worth pursuing.
