Back when I was working as a trainer, next to my office, there was a store, and there was this super hot blonde girl who worked there.
I told myself, "I'm going to ask her out." But I kept waiting for the next available opportunity. After work, I'd stroll through the store, but she'd be talking to a customer or doing something important, so I'd leave.
Or she'd be in the gym working out, but there'd be some few too many people nearby. So, I waited for what I call the "perfect" moment.
By the time I worked up the courage to ask her out, she had a boyfriend. I missed my chance. What I've fixed since then is now I seek out these gray areas in my life, and when I find them, I destroy them. Next time I see her, I'm going to ask her out straight up—even if I have to wait for her to finish dealing with a customer or if other people are nearby.
A lot of this has to do with saying no to people. If my friends are having nice time and drinking, I'll have one or two drinks, but that's it.
No matter what they say, I’m not drinking more because I might feel terrible tomorrow.
Or if a girl wants to bring her friend along on a first date, I’ll say no.
I don’t want her friend there. You cannot leave gray areas or you'll rationalize the weaker decision all the time.
Decide what's a no and a yes in your life—and don’t compromise. Else, you’ll always stay the nice guy, and people won’t respect you.