I receive a lot of requests in my line of work. Some of these are things that take five minutes. Others take much longer. I’m sure you are similar—your requests may look different, but you get them, too. I am often fascinated by how I perceive the requests. Most of the time I am honored that someone would ask. I am grateful I can do whatever the task is. I feel connected to whatever is happening related to the request. Occasionally, however, I find myself asking, is this really worth doing? Is this worth my time? Why am I doing this?

Then, of course, there are the moments when I am the one who has committed to doing something that I sought out. Again, most of the time, I find myself basking in the glow of the project or experience. Occasionally, though, I do find myself thinking the same questions as above: is this really worth doing? Is this worth my time? Why am I doing this? And one of my favorites, what made me decide to do this in the first place?

As I’ve reflected about this, I’ve realized it comes down to this: Is the juice worth the squeeze? 

Put in simple terms: is this effort worth the end result?

How do we know if it’s worth it? What are the “right” questions to be asking ourselves to determine if it’s worth it? I came up with a few key questions and I’d like to share them with you:

1. What am I saying yes to? What am I saying no to?
2. On a scale of 1-10, how much effort will be required in each of these categories: physically, emotionally and spiritually? 
3. With regards to question 2—do I have the capacity to give that level of effort right now?
4. What are the core values that are involved? What values am I honoring? What values will be stepped on?
5. What are the opportunities with this experience? Will I learn something new? Will I be of service to something important to me? Will what I learn move my life forward? 

I know that sometimes we are put in situations where we are asked to make decisions fairly quickly, even when that may not be necessary. (Note: I’m not talking about 911 here). I’m inviting you to take a pause—a step back—before committing to anything. This is an opportunity to go through the questions and gain clarity before acting with intention. Once you know it’s worth it, the yes is much easier. If you find it’s not worth it, the no also becomes easier. You are clear about what you are saying no to and what you are opening up space for in your life.

Friends—there will always be things competing for our time and attention. There will be things worth the effort and quite frankly, things that are a waste of our energy. I hope today’s insights will assist you in making the right decision for YOU as you decide which juice is worth the squeeze and which one can just remain “as is.”

Keep SHINING in Your Brilliance!