A gal named Laurie Beth Jones said, “Because we live in a day and age when opportunities are endless, and ‘acres of diamonds’ lay everywhere at our feet, we need to be able to understand what to pick up and what to put down.”
As my business continues to grow and I continue to learn, my biggest struggle is saying “no” to anything that might be good: a good project, a good person to work for, a good wage, a good idea, a good cause, and even a good time. I’ve been wrestling with wanting to continue with how I started. I’ve always told my clients, “I’ll do as much or as little as you want or need.” That flexibility certainly helped build my business.
A few weeks ago, I took the time to look at some shocking numbers that I haven’t been keeping track of very well. I found that I currently have about 70,000 photos of before and afters from my client’s homes on my computer. I found that I have worked with 7 Karens, 6 Amys, 9 Jennifers, and 6 Melissas in the past year and a half. From my rough count, I’ve actually worked with approximately 130 different clients in about a year’s time. Some of them I worked with only once, others have been on-going, and most have been 2-3 times over a year or two. And don’t get me started on how geographically spread out they are.
Much of my time is spent searching for info in my client notes and through photographs trying to remember what paint colors I recommended for whom or what I promised I’d keep my eye open for or send them a link to. And then there’s writing a book and developing course work and classes. After seeking counsel from a few wise advisors, I admitted that my “everything and anything” strategy was no longer sustainable and was threatening my sanity.
So we’ve made a few changes to my services and practices. I still want to spend time teaching courses and workshops, blogging, and serving clients to the best of my ability. In order to do those things well, and to honor my commitment to my family and the important people in my life, I need to say “no” to some good things. If you are interested in what I’m saying “yes” to, take a moment to refer to my Services. I’m still doing one-time paint, staging, and design consultations, online design, and ongoing local design, I’m just eliminating the messier stuff in between and limiting the distance I’m willing to travel.
And no, I’m NOT raising my fees. That’s not the point. I just want to do a better job at everything I take on – which means not taking on literally everything. Sometimes saying “no” to the good makes room for us to say “yes” to the best.
Good for you! Sounds like you’ve been reading The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst.. If not, well you’re speaking her language!
Thanks, Hollie – I haven’t read that book, but sounds like I should get it!
I was going to say the same thing, Hollie! That’s what we’re reading in the Bible study I’m in, and it’s really good. Kristie, not that you need it, but I affirm your decision! With this post, you are teaching us about something more than decorating! I appreciate you, KB.
Right back at you, Michelle! Thank you 🙂
Well said
Love it! Good for you! All of us need to do this kind of personal ‘housekeeping’ every now and again. It’s amazing how ‘messy’ things can get personally, as we try to do it all for everyone else. It takes strength and clarity to recognize when, and how, to make much needed changes! Thanks for the reminder to take a step back and evaluate, and I wish you all the best as you define what will bring you the most fulfillment, sanity and joy!!
Thank you so much for that encouragement, Taryn 🙂
Funny,
As I was opening this link I was thinking that all the great and well-deserved success seems to have detracted from the blogs…there just isn’t enough time to do all these things and do them well, and then, when I read this, it was confirmed. I wish you well and I am pretty sure you will arrive at a fulfilling balance. I a thankful for your giftedness.
I am happy for all your recent success and I was wondering how you can handle everything including time for your family. Glad you took that great advise because we don’t want to lose you completely when you burn out. Stressing about color for who and where isn’t worth it. I have taken to a pad and pencil again to keep track of things. Easier to find ongoing projects. You are a smart girl, you will work it all out. Hugs girlfriend!
Thank you, sweetie. Truth is, I’m a very driven person, but it’s also true that I also have a deep-seeded need for approval that is not so very healthy. But I’m working on it, in more ways than one. I appreciate your friendship and support – it’s good to have girls in the business who have your back 🙂
Good for you Kristie for admitting you are not Super Woman (even though I know you are close to being her!) and committing yourself to slowing down. I know it is a cliche but life is short and trust me, in ten years you will be glad you made this decision. All my love and best wishes for you. You Rock my friend and no matter what your decision I know you will always come out on top.
Atta girl! I’ve been working on this myself. And turning down my less desirable clients and projects really has opened up more space for the clients and projects that make me happy. It’s hard lesson to learn but an important one. Loved this post.
Your desire to do the best for your clients comes through loud and clear. You will gain nothing but respect and admiration for setting limits that respect yourself and everyone else. Bravo to you!
Good for you and the family!! You’ve got my support and APPROVAL! But…does this mean that Indiana will be too far to travel to??? (you know..when I finally get my house ready for you to fix up in say about …10 yrs.? lol) Love you!!
I’ve actually thought about that for you – because I know that struggle. We just have so many opportunities, don’t we? It’s easy to lose our time with our family & mess with our priorities. Good for you, girl!
Check out Penelope’s blog this week on saying no to good things.
http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2014/09/29/5-steps-to-making-time-for-everything/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_campaign=0&utm_content=66375
Good for you Kristie!
Thank you for all that you have shared. I enjoy your posts and have learned so much from you. The biggest gift from my point of view is your open, welcoming approach.
I am grateful for gifts/talents but mostly for the generous way you share them.
Thank you. 🙂