The Art of Saying No

Have you ever faced the dilemma of whether to accept a project that seems prestigious but doesn't quite feel right? Thinking about a continuous client flow at the same time which makes us overlook that suspicious feeling in our gut telling us to STOP RIGHT THERE!

But what if saying no means missing out on future opportunities?

Let me cut to the chase and share from my own experience… Your gut instinct is ALWAYS RIGHT, without fail, no matter how appealing and beneficial a project may seem for your career.

👇

I’ve had projects which felt right right from the start and every interaction with the client was so inspiring and seamless that I couldn’t wait for a new project with them.

On the other hand, there were projects with impressive scope, such as those from renowned real estate or design firms, for instance, but I literally felt sick just thinking about them! At first, I thought, that I was only stressed out and didn’t have time for that. But after accepting those orders, despite my inner voice telling the contrary, everything was SO arduous… unrealistic client demands, and even bad project timing which made me have to reject some really dream projects, because of my limited capacity and time.

And the cherry on top. I wasn't even allowed to showcase these projects in my portfolio or on social media afterward 🫠 Talk about a letdown!

But as they say, every mistake is a lesson learned. Luckily, I’m a good learner and can now feel right from the start when something’s off and say no without a shade of guilt, because after that, new FANTASTIC projects magically come my way. The ones that I'm genuinely excited to dive into.

I understand this may not sound like the best business advice, especially for those starting to build their portfolios. But your energy and well-being are INVALUABLE, and sacrificing them for the sake of clients isn't worth it. And if you keep working hard, keep building your portfolio for your ideal client, keep evolving and educating yourself, and not waste any time, the right clients will find you.

‼️ Trust your instincts. It has been proven by so many people that your gut is forecasting the future outcome of this project. If you're already feeling mentally or physically drained at the mere thought of that project, it's probably best to pass.

It’s like similar to relationships, if your body rebels every time you're around someone, it's a sign to listen and distance yourself.

I speak from personal experience - cutting ties with such people restored my well-being and peace of mind.

Wishing you a fantastic day and if you have any similar experiences to share, please feel free to do so!

Warmest,
Anna at @andshedrawsbig