Have you ever said “No” to an amazing opportunity and later asked yourself, “What did I just do?!”

I recently turned down the possibility of becoming an executive coach for a large and well-known company with a famous leader.

They were very interested in me joining their organization, but it would require me to move. I wasn’t willing to do that, so I said, “Thank you for your interest in me, but I am not willing to move.” They said, “We understand, but if you ever change your mind, please let us know.”

It was flattering and validating to be “courted” by a group who are in the major leagues of executive coaching, but I have no regrets.

And here’s why…

I am more interested in significance than status. Saying “yes” to that opportunity would have vaulted me into a different strata of coaching and given me instant status in the coaching world; but the coaching niche I have now (organizations and leaders who put people over profit) supports leaders who are truly making a positive difference in the lives of others and raising the standard of our cultural values.

I am more interested in growing faith-based leaders than growing profit margins for businesses. There’s nothing wrong with making money as long as money doesn’t become an idol that keeps people from glorifying God and diverts them away from God’s Kingdom purposes. I want my coaching to help leaders be more rooted in the truth and values of Christ’s teachings.

I am more interested in achieving my vision of success than the vision that a corrupted culture has of success. To me, success has very little to do with how much money a person makes. To me, success is more about meaningful work, healthy relationships, integrity, respect, adding value, being content, fulfilling one’s duties, walking consistently with Christ, and the like. By that scorecard, I did not need this “cool” job to make me feel successful.

I am more interested in quality of life than making a name for myself. I live near my family. I make more than enough money and have no debt. I enjoy my house and neighborhood. I travel regularly. I am next door to my alma mater. I work for a good organization. I help churches. I have a great life where I am, doing what I’m doing – I don’t feel the need to disrupt that simply to have a bigger “name.”

It is a blessing to know who you are, to know what’s most important to you, to know what you do best and where best you do it, and to be at a point in life where you don’t feel the need to chase the spotlight.

I sometimes still can’t believe I told this company and leader, “No;” but the reason I could, is because of what I have already said, “Yes,” to.