Learn to Say "No"
“It’s only by saying ‘no’ that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.” ~ Steve Jobs
It is hard for us to say “no” because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or because we think we can do it all. Every time you say “yes” to something you are creating less space in your life for what is truly important. No is a short and powerful word that needs to be said more often.
It may take practice to learn how to say “no” but when you flip it to what the no is allowing you to focus on it will become less difficult. When you say “no” it shows people your time is valuable. One trick to try is use the word “don’t” instead of “can’t”. When you say, “I can’t” it may come across as an excuse while “I don’t” implies you have set certain rules and boundaries for yourself. An example could be: “Thanks so much for thinking of me for your evening workshop but I don’t do any appointments after 6pm so I can be with my family.”
When asked to do something, if it is not a clear yes, it’s a no. As C.S. Lewis said, “Is my ‘yes’ coming from a dark corner or from the light in my heart?” Watch your life become more meaningful each time you say “no”.
