I hate to admit it.

I was a horrible student in 7th Grade Industrial Arts.

In fact, I nearly failed out.

Because you see, the final project was to take apart a lawn mower engine and put it all back together again. So that it ran.

Mine didn’t run. I ended up with extra parts. And try as I might, I could not figure out where they went.

Now, one would think I’d learned an important lesson.

But, no. Fast forward a couple of decades. I needed a new garage door. I went to Home Depot. Got the kit. Spread out all the parts on the driveway.

I spent hours and hours on the project. And, try as I might, the whole damn thing was a fiasco.

Yup, extra parts. And a garage door that wouldn’t work.

It would have been so much better to have hired someone to come in and do it all.

And therein lies the lesson.

The most dangerous cost in business – and in life – is opportunity cost.

When you say ‘yes’ to one project or endeavor, you’re saying ‘no’ to another.

And you only have so many yeses to give in the brief stint that is our life.

Those yeses ought to be reserved exclusively for what falls within your zone of genius; those yeses ought to be devoted only to those things that light you up and bring you joy.

Those yeses ought to be reserved for what brings you the highest return on the investment of your time.

My zone of genius – that place I lose myself in a timeless flow – that place that brings deep satisfaction – is working with the coaching clients I’m privileged to serve.

My happy place is in the mountains.

Oh sure, I could still be sorely tempted to tinker with the lawn mower or the garage door. But better to spend the few hundred bucks than to lose those hours doing what I do best, doing what I love.

Because here’s the pernicious part, the lie: opportunity cost is often disguised, camouflaged. It whispers to you: “you’re saving money.”

But really you’re losing time.

Time to do your very best work; time to spend with those you love; time to adventure and explore; time to reflect; time to just be.

Time you can never, ever get back.

Be careful when that garage door beckons.

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