The Most Unpopular Way to Level Up They Don't Want You to Know: The Power of Discernment

No more Miss Nice Entrepreneur. Hello, High Value Business Queen!

With hope, idealism, faith, and gusto, I’ve always embraced every opportunity to level up. But after years of navigating the wrong programs and investing thousands of dollars, I realized that true levelling up involves not just walking through open doors but also respectfully closing them.

As entrepreneurs, we often oscillate between being overly eager and overly skeptical. I used to fear being labeled “difficult” for asserting my needs, but now, embracing discernment has become the cornerstone of my entrepreneurial growth.

In a world teeming with scams and too-good-to-be-true offers, discerning what aligns with us can be overwhelming. As someone who once strived to be a “yes” person in both business and personal life, I’ve been burned by investment scams and toxic relationships. This blog aims to shield fellow entrepreneurs from deceptive offers and relationships that compromise their needs.

No one talks about the fear, shame, and guilt associated with being selective. A client once shared her frustration with working toward her boss’s dreams rather than her own, a sentiment echoed by many aspiring entrepreneurs. As an ex-account manager turned consultant at Bitton Brand Consulting, I’ve learned that saying “no” is not about losing opportunities but about gaining self-respect and alignment.

From a strong, discerning mother and an idealistic father, I’ve learned to balance skepticism with hope. Being labeled naive or difficult has been a painful journey, but it taught me the value of asking questions and seeking transparency.

Understanding the Power of Discernment in Business

The key to discernment is departing from a scarcity mindset. Respectfully declining misaligned offers shows that you have standards for your time and energy. This not only prevents burnout but ensures you invest in relationships and opportunities that truly honor your value.

?How to Navigate Between Naivety and Skepticism

As you level up, remember:

1. Walk Away from Misaligned Opportunities: Making space for what feels right is crucial.

2. Embrace Discernment: People may project their frustrations onto you, but it’s a sign you’re upholding your standards.

3. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait: Legitimate offers don’t pressure you.

4. Trust Actions Over Appearances: Do your own research to avoid deception.

5. Make Your “Yes” Heartfelt: Commit to opportunities aligned with your vision.

6. Let Unaligned Gigs Roll: Not every opportunity is worth the sacrifice of your authenticity.

The Art of Saying “No” to Misaligned Opportunities

In practice, saying “no” respectfully and wisely can protect you from the burnout that comes from taking every opportunity that floods your inbox. This discernment extends to relationships and partnerships, where your needs and standards should be respected.

Balancing Scarcity Mindset with Growth Mindset

Reminding myself of abundance and my value as a professional not only motivates me to be selective to ensure alignment and ROI for my precious time, work, energy, commitment, and loyalty so I can show up for the right people, places, and things for me—it requires that I do so.

Choosing Authentic Opportunities in Business

Which is why it is essential, as you level up as an entrepreneur, person, and partner, to:

1. Be Comfortable Walking Away: Know that you are making space for what is or will be aligned.

2. Hold to Your Standards: When someone respects and values you, they rise to meet your higher standards.

3. Let Good Things Come to You: A secure and confident person or business doesn’t need to chase or pressure anyone for their offer.?

4. Research Thoroughly: Actions reveal more than appearances in today's world.

5. Say “Yes” with Certainty: Committing to the right opportunities should feel authentic and aligned with your vision.

6. Avoid Misaligned Opportunities: When an offer, relationship, partner, or opportunity does not meet your standards, simply let it pass.

Caution for New Entrepreneurs

If you are just starting out and need experience, then this advice is different. It is important to say “yes” to opportunities so that you can build your value through practice. This helps you learn who you are and hold true to a vision that is truly yours because you’ve been around the block testing different ones out.

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