Being Brave Enough to Say No

This month I said no to a lucrative opportunity. It was hard, but I think it was the right move for me.

As a freelancer, there are busy times and lean times. The work isn't always steady and, sometimes, when things are slow or a little uncertain, freelancers may be tempted to take on work they don't want to do. When I first started freelancing, I told myself I never wanted to wake up and dread the day ahead. To do that, I had to summon the power to say no; no to any project that didn't seem like a fit--no to the money that came with it.

Throughout my career, I've always been the person to say, "Yes, I can," "Yes, I will," and "Yes, you can count on me." It's not in my nature to say no when someone asks for my help (unless it's a completely outlandish request). However, to be true to myself and best serve a potential client or employer, sometimes no is the best answer one can give. If you're not truly interested in the work, or you can't perform the task with the level of enthusiasm and skill that an employer deserves, there is no winner if you say yes.

Just because opportunity knocks doesn't mean it has the right address.

Have you ever said no to an opportunity? Did you feel uncertain about your decision? Or did you know it was the best move for you?