In discussing my blog with my niece, she had an excellent take on the business of you:

“It takes a lot of control and wisdom to say ‘no’ to things and ‘yes’ to others, knowing which will be good in the long run.  Looking not at the immediate profit, but what a certain situation might bring or detract from the entire ‘business.’”

Thanks Ing!

Here’s an idea from the book, A Valued Life, Managing the Business of You I’m working to publish:

Let us start with self control.  From an early age we learn the benefits of self-control from our parents, caregivers and social interactions.  It is how we regulate our biologic and emotional needs.  It is the level of discipline we have when confronted with temptations and other distractions.  It is the basis of our focus and attention to details.  It is our ability to keep in mind our long-term objectives when faced with short-term gains.  Unfortunately, we are hard wired to experience the short-term gain of pleasure.  Diminished self-control opens the door to addictions and the bad habits that creep into our lives.  To avoid this habit creep, it is critical to be aware of our mental and emotional states and respond accordingly to the stimuli that present short term gains which do not support our long-term objectives.

To utilize Ing’s context, self-control is the wisdom to say no when needed and yes when it supports the good in the long run.

photo source:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abbot_of_Watkungtaphao_in_Tat_Hong_Waterfall.JPG