While enticing, many projects can distract from your long-term goals.

Recently invited to join a colleague on a big project, she complimented me by saying I was the perfect partner for this venture.

She also said she selected me because of my energy and enthusiasm for everything I do. She is extrememly successful and her comments flattered and enticed me. I said I would consider it.

I thought about the revenue potential, which was quite good and how much I would enjoy collaborating with her. We had a few telephone meetings, and then set a date to get together. We agreed on objectives that we would both accomplish before our meeting. I was doing research and moving forward with the project when I began to realize that I really didn't want to do it. My vacation was coming up and I realized this project would mean continuing to read and research during vacation. And even when I wasn't reading, it would be on my mind at a time when I was looking forward to relaxing.

My usual reading materials are business books and self-help books. I thought, wouldn't it be great to go on a vacation and bring the novels I've wanted to read for a long time? It would feel great to relax and not to have to think about the project.

Another thing I started to consider was my five-year plan for my business. Was this in line with my plan? Was I on track? I called my colleague and told her I had decided to say no. I suggested someone else who might be interested at this time. The two of them connected and the project is developing without me.

It was difficult for me to say no. I don't like to disappoint people. I did feel relieved after I bowed out of the project because it wasn't totally on track with my long-range goals.

I often work with clients who struggle to stay focused on what is really important to them. An interesting project that takes away time and energy from what is really more important for their business plan sidetracks them. One client wants to sell his business in five years. He was diversifying too much and accepting any project that came his way. We worked on fine-tuning his business strategies and he decided to accept only projects that would increase the value of his business.

Sometimes it is difficult to say no to a prospective client, but it can definitely get you off track when you say yes to everything that comes along. Ask yourself before saying yes, "Will this enhance my business or my life?" "Will working on this project be joyful or stressful?" So often lawyers accept cases knowing they will be difficult and draining. Financial planners accept clients knowing that the size of their estate is not up to their minimum standards. Some projects are easy to say no to. Most of the time, it's difficult.

As we strengthen our "saying no" muscles we want to look at our values. What is it that we truly value? Before accepting any offer, ask yourself if it is in tune with your values. Do you want to improve relationships or improve your health? Do you start out with the best intentions but get sidetracked because of all the projects and obligations that get in the way? What do you have to say no to? What are the logical steps needed to get you where you want to be in five years?

It wasn't easy for me to turn down this project. I like a challenge and I could have made the necessary time available, but it wasn't getting me closer to where I want to be. I created space for something more in line with my values at this time. It's important to say no firmly and gracefully to what you don't want. So, the next time you're offered a project or a new opportunity, first pause, reflect and then respond. And if it's not on track with what you really want to do, just say NO!

Phyllis Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach, Powerful Solutions, Inc. Her website is http://www.powerfulcoaching.com.

If you've been working your plan this year, opportunities and options are heating up. Phyllis's advice comes at a great time. As you are looking at the options and paths that are opening up for you, which ones truly align with where you are headed and what you want to accomplish? More and more I understand that there isn't enough time to do everything that is presented to me. This week choose to participate only in those projects that are a great fit for where you are heading. Say "No!" to the rest.

April 28, 2005
Empowering Yourself at Keefe Tech Continuing Education

Do you feel like you need to make a significant change in your business or personal life and would like some support to address these issues? Coach Andrea will provide her 5-step program for gaining control of your life. This seminar is scheduled for Thursday, April 28th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Keefe Tech, Framingham, MA. To reserve your place, please call 508-935-0202 or go to http://www.ktconed. org and click on "Health & Life-Style."

May 2, 2005
Empowering Ourselves at The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)

Andrea will provide her 5-step program for gaining control of your life to the Greater Boston Chapter of the IAAP -- the world's leading organization promoting the education and recognition of the office professional. http://www.greaterbostoniaap.com

May 5, 2005
Coach Andrea is part of DWC- Boston "Meet the Experts" Roundtables

For the end-of-the-year send-off, Downtown Women's Club - Boston is hosting a series of roundtables staffed by coaches and experts. Everyone will get to visit 3 tables for 20 minutes each. There'll also be a raffle of various items, services and products during the changeovers between tables! There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Come join in for fun, learning and networking on May 5th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Long Wharf Marriott. http://www.downtownwomensclub.com For more information, contact betsy.totten@marriott.com.

I was thrilled to be on hand to help my colleague Suzanne Bates celebrate the release of her new book, "Speak Like a CEO." A former news anchor, Suzanne is now the CEO of Bates Communications -- a firm that helps clients develop and master presentation skills through one-on-one coaching and group training. To order Suzanne's book or to learn more about how she can help you or members of your organization master the art of speaking, visit http://www.bates-communications.com. The book is full of practical and inspiring techniques, and Suzanne's style and approach to helping others gain visibility and credibility through the spoken word is second to none.

Coach Andrea's Coaching Tip of the Week is brought to you by Andrea Novakowski, Master Certified Coach who provides Business and Personal Coaching to Corporations, Businesses, and Individuals. Andrea is a professional coach who partners with people to set goals and create momentum to produce effective results in their business and/or personal lives.

Andrea is available for individual coaching. If you are serious about reaching your goals and living with greater fulfillment and satisfaction, consider using a coach. To schedule a COMPLIMENTARY initial consultation, send an e-mail to Andrea at
andrea@coachandrea.com.

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Coach Andrea
Focusing your vision, achieving results

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