Know When to Say No
As toddlers, the first word from our mouths is typically not the word our parents hope to hear. In place of the much anticipated “mama” or “dada” often comes the word “no.” Why is that? Probably because as parents we spend so much time instructing our little ones in what not to do! So why are we surprised when they regale us with a negative statement when they decide to begin using the English language?
Unfortunately, something unusual happens to many of us as we become adults. We forget how to use the word “no” properly.
I’m guilty of this. As my presence in the marketplace has increased, I have been deluged with requests for keynotes, teleseminar and webinar appearances, book endorsements, advice, and other things that demand my time.
In the early stages, I would seize on any opportunity to share my knowledge and enhance my brand. It meant a lot of travel, late night teleseminars, and hours engaged in email. Over the past few years this has taken a physical and emotional toll on me. Not only that, but time spent saying “yes” to so many things means I have said “no” to my family too many times.
After evaluating my priorities, I have recently relearned the fine art of saying “no” to many of the requests that now come my way. I have had to because there is just not enough of me to go around. In fact, I say “no” way more often than I say “yes” these days.
It’s unfortunate that I sometimes even have to turn friends away, but I think it’s important to know your own boundaries and seek to enforce them in order to do what is best for you and your family.
Do you feel like you can’t say “no”? Is that “yes” costing you more than you might imagine?
Figure out what is essential for you to be effective in your work and to attain your goals. Make sure you keep a balance in all things so that you don’t say “yes” to so many things that you end up saying “no” to more important things… or people.
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