The Monkey On Your Back

Have you ever felt like you've got this "Monkey" hanging all over your back? Before it turns into a 300 pound Gorilla you better "Give It Back" or you will never get to where you want to be.

Often times it starts with a simple friend or associate coming up to you and saying "Do You Have a Minute". The minute you say yes the Monkey slowly starts climbing its way up your back until it is firmly mounted on you shoulders. You see when someone asks for a "Minute" 9 times out of 10 they are trying to release the Monkey and they are looking for someone to take it of their hands. This is where the art of Saying "NO" comes into play.

"No I do not have a minute, as I am involved in this project I am working on, but perhaps we can schedule a time to meet as I would like to hear what you have to say. Send me an e-mail and your available times and I will confirm back with you". Bam problem solved NO Monkey on your back.

Most times they will find someone else or they will find a way to figure it out. Even at the schedule meeting if it looks like they still have this Monkey try this. "You know I have known you to be a bright, intelligent professional. I am sure if you give this some thought and tap into your available resources you will "Figure It Out". Again No Monkey On Your Back". You have listen, and shown empathy but have re-enforced your belief in them to Figure It Out.

So in closing if you find you shoulders heavy, and you feel fatigued chances are you have taken on someones MONKEY, No give it back to them!!!