And for that reason...

I love watching the entrepreneurial pitch show, Shark Tank. The business owner stands before 3-4 potential investors and shares what their company is and why they're seeking investment. Each of the Sharks then takes a turn expressing either desire to invest (with an offer), or reasons why they're not interested. When this is the case, they usually say something like, "And for that reason...I am out."

It's (usually) never personal; it's simply a matter of fit. The investor has a clear set of parameters they want to meet, and if the product/company/founder doesn't meet them, then it's a simple decision.

Without those parameters, every decision would be virtually impossible to make. The product samples are sparkly; the pitches are well-crafted and delivered with enthusiasm; the numbers seem appealing enough. But for the seasoned investor, the parameters take priority even if there are appealing factors.

I was presented with an intriguing opportunity this week that I almost said yes to, but when weighing the appeal against my own parameters, I too had to respectfully decline. At first it was a hard decision to make, but as my husband reminded me of my dreams and vision those parameters took center stage and made the decision very clear (you're amazing, Chris!).

Sometimes we have to be "out" for the good opportunities in order to reserve space for the very best to flow in. It's simply too risky of an investment otherwise. Exercising our power to choose, even when it feels unpopular, is freedom.