I wrote a post earlier today about having a Team and systems in place to support you and your business (although the same thing is true of our personal lives!).
Another way to build in support is to create an "Absolute YES!" and "Absolute NO!" list.
I first read about the "Absolute YES!" list in a book titled "Take Time for Your Life" by Cheryl Richardson.
The concept (as I use it) is simple:
Absolute YES!
What are those things that you absolutely, positively DO want in your life and your business?
Here are some examples from my list:
- A business which receives revenue from multiple places
- A partner who adores me and whom I adore
- Clients who get such fabulous results that they become raving fans
- A life outside my business
- A Team which supports me and has the best interests of me and my clients in mind at all times
- Extreme Client Care — for me, my Team and my clients
- A Team, clients and vendors who share my values of integrity, authenticity, and values
- A home which nourishes my soul
- A healthy lifestyle which nourishes my body and soul
- A desk big enough for my 3 dogs to curl up under it while I'm working with a window view of bird feeders and a birdbath
Absolute NO!
What are those things that you absolutely, positively will NOT ALLOW in your life and your business?
Here are some examples from my list:
- Feel an obligation to spend time with family or friends who choose to live in chaos or be negative
- A life without pets
- Waking up to a sink full of dishes
- A cluttered home/office
- Team members/clients/friends who don't take responsibility for themselves/their actions
- Invest time and energy in relationships that aren't aligned with who I am and who I want to be
- Throw away anything that can be repurposed, recycled or donated
- Jump out of bed in the morning — I give myself the time and space to start each day in a relaxed manner by reading and meditating
- Have my email program open all day — I choose when to get emails
Before you take on one more thing, whether task, client or knick knack, ask yourself — does this qualify for my "Absolute YES!" list?
If "YES!", welcome it with open arms; if "NO!", then let it go (it will be on someone else's "YES!" list so letting it go means they can receive it).
I'd love to hear about some of the things on your "Absolute YES!" and "Absolute NO!" lists — will you share them with me in the comments below?
And remember…if you have trouble knowing what to put on your YES! list, start with the NO! list as it's sometimes easier to know what you don't want.
Doing the above will make it MUCH easier to decide which opportunities to welcome with open arms and which to pass on.