Accept Every Invitation

How often do you decline an invitation because you have something else you would rather do? Or you're not crazy about the person asking you to join? Or you're not interested in that type of event? Or you feel like doing nothing? ...

So often we are asked to attend an event, join a group, go to a movie, meet for lunch or dinner, and so often we say no thank you. Many reasons come up - too busy, not interested, don't feel like it, and already have plans.

However, if you think of every invitation as an 'opportunity' you might not be so quick to say no. How many times have you reluctantly joined someone and wound up having a great time, met someone new, or been exposed to a new idea or new client, just because you wound up going after all?

If we think of an invitation as an opportunity for something positive, or something better, we may be more inclined to make it fit into our schedules.

I remember a friend of mine inviting me to a BBQ at a time when I wasn't particularly thrilled to go out of my way to be with a bunch of strangers. But something inside of me decided to go. Not only did I have a great deal of fun, I wound up meeting someone who totally changed the course of my life from that point forward. I realized then that accepting invitations may be a blessing of some sort. So I did an experiment and accepted all invitations (that didn't seem harmful) even if I wasn't crazy about the event or the person I'd be going with. I was invited to attend the local Chamber of Commerce meeting in a church very early in the morning (not my thing!), and I had little desire, if any, to go. But, based on this principle, I decided to go. As it turned out, I actually got to see original stained glass windows designed by Matisse and Chagall. It was a most amazing experience despite my initial negativity towards the event. What I noticed from following this principle is that my life became so much fuller - I was making new friends, being exposed to more of the world, and definitely having more fun.

Does this mean that you should always accept all invitations for the rest of your life? - NO! It simply means that by trying this out, you will then find it easier eventually to reach a balance and perhaps view invitations from a new perspective when making your decision. This also works in reverse for those that accept too many invitations and they become distractions keeping you from more important things.

INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT: If you want to see how this principle may benefit you, "take the challenge" and try this experiment. For one month, accept EVERY invitation (unless harmful - i.e. going to a stranger's home by yourself, or something involving illicit drugs, etc.) At the end of the month, observe what changes have occurred not only in your world around you but also inside of you. Perhaps, you are now more open and can be more discerning about who/ when/ what you do with your time.

Marion Franklin - is a Professional Certified Life Coach who coaches individuals and groups regarding personal and professional change, focus, human relations, and conflict management. Marion has coached managers at major corporations including PepsiCo, Toys'R'Us, and Reader's Digest. She conducts and help clients design workshops and presentations, has been a featured presenter at meetings, retreats, and an ongoing Women's Workshop Series, has been cited in The Journal News and The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on local Cable Television. http://www.lifecoachinggroup.com

---

The Rumble in the Jungle: Revealing Greatness

The other night I was watching a documentary on that... Read More

A Time To Awake

What has become of your fondest dreams?If you were guaranteed... Read More

Adversity to Victory

The following is a true story about a young friend... Read More

Taking the Leap of Faith

So often we stop and look at our lives and... Read More

I.Q. You Q. He, She, or It Qs.

I have, in recent years, come to believe that IQ... Read More

Computers and Internet: Inspiring Us to Create

The Internet is sometimes criticized (usually by parents who think... Read More

The Cracked Pot

Letters on Life#3Some experiences you never forget. In some of... Read More

Why Integrity!

There is much said in the word "integrity"! According to... Read More

Helen Keller: A Teller and a Seller

What are the odds of someone doing extraordinary things if... Read More

Just One Person We All Need

I understand that all the self made people of this... Read More

Self Talk: What Do You Say When You Talk to Yourself?

You have just completed a major work project before the... Read More

Create 10 Delightful Daily Habits

Practising extreme self-care in our life involves practising good "daily"... Read More

Sissys Show of Support

I had been fighting with the software program that I... Read More

Who are you?

I have a question for you.Who are you?This may be... Read More

Musicians Survival was Truly a Miracle: Singer Songwriter Fights for his Life

Every morning when singer-songwriter Michael Alan looks into the mirror... Read More

Five Reasons To Journal

Keeping a journal during the coaching process is one of... Read More

How to Scare Fear Out of Your Life

A reader asks: "Many times in my life I have... Read More

The Miracle of Personal Development

One day Mr. Shoaff said, "Jim, if you want to... Read More

A Bit Of Turbulence

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 1,... Read More

Iron Man Inspiration - Raise The Ceiling On What You Can Achieve

The Florida Iron Man involves swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112... Read More

5 Simple Tips On Using Your Senses

1. Breakfast in Bed.Imagine a lavish breakfast arrives brimming over... Read More

If I Hurt You, Then Im Sorry

This statement has stopped many a war in my house.... Read More

Looking for a Better World - What Every Person Can Do!

Each night, when I put my head on the pillow... Read More

A Prison Planet

I decreed my 'twin' into my life in early 1990.... Read More

Summertime - Take Time To Smell The Roses

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the time to smell the... Read More