I’m getting straight to the point today. 

Because I’m a straight shooter and you know I like to tell it straight up in a no-nonsense way.

The reason you’re constantly running yourself ragged, plowing through one unfilling project after the next and sitting in countless snooze-fests, also known as meetings, is because you’re not doing it right. 

The “it” I’m referring to is your ability to say “No.”

You’re so preoccupied with what other people might think if you turn down that seemingly fabulous invitation. 

Or overly concerning yourself of what others are doing and if they’re doing IGTV, so must you.

But, my dear Reader, the most precious gift you have is your time and attention. 

And when it’s being taken up by projects, appointments, calls that you’re only half-heartedly committed to, you’re robbing the planet of what you’re really here to do in all aspects of your life. 

You know what’s great about this, too? 

Most people are so caught up in their own stuff day in and day out that they won’t notice for more than a moment when your response to their request is a polite and clear “No.”

Better yet, saying “No” regularly is a skill you can learn. It’s a muscle you grow and build up. 

Some days, it’s going to feel really hard to tell someone you can’t meet their request. 

Other days, you’re going to be like, “YESSSS… bring on all your requests and invitations and questions because I’m having a ‘No’ party” and you’ll feel unstoppable.

Just like training for a marathon, you work your way up. You don’t run 26.2 miles on day 1 of your training plan. And you won’t start by nixing every project, task, meeting invite, appointment that comes across your virtual desk. 

Step by step, mile by mile, day by day, week by week, you get yourself used to the routine of following what feels like a full body YES and ditching all the rest that doesn’t.  

Coming from a former approval addict, I believe in you. You can do it. 

 

 

Photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash