Count the Costs

This blog post was originally written on April 12, 2020.

I had two big opportunities fall through at the end of last year.

Like big-big.

Like, hire a CPA because we’re going into another tax bracket big.

Now, you know me. I’ve never been one to chase a bag, but I won’t lie and act like it didn’t hurt. What shook me the most was that I was approached for the opportunities in both instances – it wasn’t like I sought anyone out.

I felt frustrated and angry that my time and talent had been a bit wasted. But then I remembered what I had learned about accepting rejection over the years: Sometimes, the opportunity isn’t yours to have at the moment. If I had taken those opportunities, I wouldn’t have had time to become a professor this semester (pray for me; we’re heading into finals in a few!). I wouldn’t have had time to finish my new business starter pack program (I can’t WAIT to share it with you!). I probably wouldn’t have taken my much-needed vacation at the top of the year or been able to spend time with my friends and family without obsessively being on my phone due to “work stuff.”

Sometimes, we want more.

We want bigger.

We want better.

Nothing is wrong with ambition – you deserve to have nice things and to live your best life! But with that, know that whatever you desire may cost you something to maintain it. In the words of Debbie Macomber, “If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.”

Remember, you and I aren’t “at all costs” people. We count the costs.

Take time this week to think about what closed doors were blessings in disguise.

Look at what “doors” you hope will open and just do a pulse check on your desires: if that door never opens, will you be okay?

Just some food for thought.