I love missing opportunities. Countless times, I’ve been approached to collaborate on new startups or projects. My general response? A polite no. This response often confuses people – some even take it personally. But, in my experience, genuinely good opportunities are rare, and people who prioritize honesty and integrity over revenue are even rarer. So, in most cases, a quick no feels like the right call.
When something, or someone, is truly exceptional, you tend to see it almost immediately. The best opportunities don’t create inner debates. Authentic excellence isn’t confusing, and truly good people are typically transparent.
Charlie Munger once illustrated this well. In a room of 100 people, you might find yourself naturally drawn to only three – these are the rare individuals who resonate with you deeply. Three others might put you off, and the remaining 94 are somewhere in between – decent, well-meaning, but unlikely to become close partners or friends. This isn’t about judging anyone but recognizing that true connections and clear opportunities stand out unmistakably. When the right person or project crosses your path, it doesn’t ask for persuasion; it just makes sense.