You’ve set your goal, eliminated the biggest obstacles, and now you can set the cruise control and coast, right? If only that were true.

Just as getting a degree takes a certain level of dedication and sacrifice, so does monitoring your trajectory. Many things will try to horn in and squander your time, under the guise of being a “great opportunity.” Let me share a few examples.

After informing my circle of friends of my desire to pursue book ghostwriting full time, I shifted focus from everything that didn’t meet a certain criteria. There were suddenly art projects, content writing, and product reviews clamoring for attention. Since those were no longer my primary focus, I declined. Then, a magazine editor asked me to write number of personality pieces and I accepted.

How was the opportunity different? I saw interviewing as inspirational, and they’d allow me to meet and speak with interesting people from the pulpit to the prison. It would help me increase my listening skills, quickly connect by finding common ground, and expand my network.

When opportunity knocks, I keep in mind a bit of sage advice: “The reward for a job well done is another job.” Meaning, if you excel at a certain project, it will lead to more similar work. If an opportunity fits with my overarching vision or your goal, that’s a wonderful opportunity.

Be wary of “Black Hole projects.”

These assignments masquerade as able to be done quickly or to be simple Usually neither is true. An acquaintance asked for help with her website. All I had to do was show her how to set up various pages. Since she knew what she wanted on the site, it looked like an afternoon’s work.

We met and spent hours looking at themes. At the end of the day, she remained undecided. Months later, when she revisited the platform months later, I offered the name of a great web designer. Because even if I did a great job, webdesign isn’t my strength.

It doesn’t line up with your goal.

One of my associates asked for my help with a “simple” art project. Even though I had three decades of art experience, I haven’t created much in twenty years. Instead, I connected her with an artist I knew. The project turned out to be far more complicated.

It isn’t the best use of your time.

Who among us hasn’t tried doing it all ourselves? From creating our own website, to book-keeping, or fixing our own cars. Instead, I ask myself this question: “Do I really want to invest the time it will take to learn how to do this well, or hire a professional who does it all the time?”  

Thankfully, networking makes it simple to find professionals who love doing the jobs I don’t. I’m happy to pay them and they’re happy for the work. My ability to quickly filter “great opportunities” sometimes means the difference between reaching deadlines or being derailed. Keep your eyes on the prize and do what you do well and delegate the rest.

This blog wouldn’t be near as fun without great followers like you. Thank you for reading. I welcome your comments, likes, shares and visits. I look forward to seeing you again soon.