Yes! Maybe! Go Away!

Draw two concentric circles.

In the inner circle write down in one or two words all the things you want to achieve right now.

In the outer circle write down all of the things you want to achieve “real soon.”

When someone pitches you an opportunity, figure out if it fits in the inner circle, the other circle, or outside of both circles.

If it fits in the inner circle, say “Yes” to the meeting and follow-up now.

If it fits in the outer circle, then it is a “respond when appropriate.”

And if the opportunity falls outside of both circles, respond immediately with a polite and firm “No” and then forget about it.