"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” Warren Buffet
Pregame Prep (today's overview)
Not long ago I wrote a blog post about the power of saying "yes." In that post, I shared how saying "yes" has changed my life. Today let's talk about the opposite because it's equally as important to know when to say "no." Learning to say "no" is a vital skill that helps us prioritize our time, energy, and resources. Just like saying "yes", "no" can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life. Today lets explore the power of saying "no" and why it's essential to strike a balance. We'll look at why saying "no" can be difficult and how to say "no" gracefully without feeling guilty or compromising our values. "No" can keep you from spreading yourself too think, or risk compromising your relationships as well!
Film Review (my experience)
I've come to learn that sometimes it's necessary to go against the advice of so-called experts in order to follow your heart and achieve your goals. I remember the time I sat in a financial planner's office, watching as this team of three 'experts' sifted through my financial statements and analyzed my assets. You talking about vulnerable they might as well have stripped me of my clothes as well! They asked so many personal questions, about why I allocated or invested this and that, and put my numbers through various 'models' to predict what I should do next. The advisors were impressed with my progress, but when we got to the next steps they recommended that I stick working at my corporate IT job for another five years even though I was deeply unhappy.
At that moment, I realized that these 'experts' and their computer model's advice was not aligned with my true desires and aspirations. I knew that I couldn't spend five more years working a job that didn't bring me happiness or fulfillment. Despite their supposed expertise I had to say 'no' to their financial advice and follow my intuition.
This decision wasn't easy and it definitely wasn't popular with my family and some of my friends. But in the end, it was the best choice I ever made. It allowed me to pursue my passion, discover new opportunities, and ultimately find success on my own terms.
Sometimes the best advice we can take is our own. We are the only ones who truly know what will make us happy and fulfilled in life. It's important to listen to advice from experts and trusted advisors, but ultimately, the decision should be our own. I say yes to things a lot, but I also have no guilt or hesitation to say no as well.
I urge you to follow your heart and trust your instincts. Don't be afraid to say no to people, to things, or to advice that doesn't align with your true desires and aspirations. Sometimes, taking risks and forging your own path is the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving your dreams. Embrace the power of no!
Offensive Game Plan (actions to obtain freedom)
Write your eulogy and think about how you're spending your time on this planet. Realize that the more you bring into your life by saying "yes'' the more you open up to the possibility of diluting what you're doing. Think about your priorities and goals: Saying "no" is easier when you have a clear understanding of what's important to you. Take some time to reflect on your Eulogy, goals and values to use them as a guide for your decisions.
Practice saying "no": Saying no is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Start small by saying no to low-priority tasks or commitments, and gradually work your way up to more challenging situations.
Evaluate opportunities based on their potential value: When presented with a new opportunity, evaluate it based on its potential value to you. Consider how it aligns with your goals and values, how it can help you grow or develop, and how it will impact your other commitments.
Defensive Game Plan (actions to defend your freedom)
Don't say "no" to everyone especially if you aren't sure! Give things a try before you say "no". Carefully evaluated opportunities and take some thoughtful risks you can open yourself up to new experiences and possibilities while still maintaining your priorities and values.
Be careful of energy vampires. People who you tolerate but who take your energy away can have a big impact on your life and your mental well-being. It's important to recognize these individuals and limit your interactions with them. By doing so you'll be able to focus your energy on the things that truly matter and bring you joy.
Don't try to do everything at once. Instead, focus on making incremental progress each day. This will help you build momentum and achieve your goals in a sustainable way. Remember Consistency is key!
Don't overcommit: Saying "yes" to everything can lead to burnout and a lack of focus. Be mindful of your time and energy, and don't stretch yourself too thin. Over committing and not following through can impact your reputation and your relationships. It's not personal if you tell someone "no." You can add a quick sentence to justify your "no" if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Audible (changes to the game plan)
If you say no and change your mind it's fine to change your mind! Don't feel guilty for saying no or yes. Also be mindful you don't always have to be right can change your mind!
Penalty Flag: (do not break these rules)
Do not say yes out of guilt! It's important to recognize when it's time to say no and walk away without regrets or guilt. While it may be difficult you have to put yourself (or your family) first!
Post-Game Review (key takeaway)
Saying no means making a conscious choice to prioritize one thing over another, and in order to do that effectively, you need to be aware of what is most important to you. This involves understanding your goals, your limits, and your boundaries. By knowing what you want and need, you can make more informed decisions about how to spend your time and energy, and you can be more confident in your ability to say "no" to requests or opportunities that don't align with your priorities. It's also important to remember that saying "no" is not a reflection of your worth or abilities, and that it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being.
Saying no doesn't have to limit your experiences or opportunities: it's all about being intentional and thoughtful in your decision making. "No" is not a bad thing all of the time, I hope today's post helps you realize there is power in saying "no" and helps you to stay true to your values and goals while remaining open to new experiences so you find a balance that works for you.
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What should you say 'no' to, is there a time where saying 'no' turned out to be the best decision? Lets talk