If You Say So... Just Say No

I just said no to something that I wanted to do. Why did I say no? Because I'm already doing something that I want to do. I've made a prior commitment and I want to see it through.

Yes, I could have postponed my task. The world wouldn't have stopped spinning. But you know what happens when you postpone a commitment -- it can have a domino effect in other areas of your life. I didn't want to face the falling dominoes, so I just said no to the new request.

It's been said that 'No' is a complete sentence. This means no explanation is needed when spoken. Saying no repeatedly may cut you off from some opportunities. People may begin to view you as stubborn or closed-minded. It can be frustrating to hear someone say no all the time. Although some choose not to articulate the logic behind their response, there can be important reasons why someone decides to say 'no.'

Saying 'No' allows you to:

1. Work on what you've already said 'yes' to. How full is your plate right now? To consider something else might be the edge of insanity. Now may be the time to dedicate your best self to current commitments.

2. Strategize for your next 'yes.' Your next 'yes' might be a game-changer. Are you ready? Taking some time to focus on critical next steps can prepare you for great things ahead.

3. Recharge until your next 'yes.' Life can move so fast. If we don't give our minds, bodies (and budgets) time to recoup, we won't be able to say 'yes' to anything.

I am in favor of taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. Saying 'yes' at certain times has opened many doors for me. However, I have given some perfectly-timed, carefully-considered 'no's that have preserved me until it was the right time to say 'yes.'

Question: How have you benefited from saying 'no'?

INK WELL SPOKEN

"Empowering Your Purpose with the Power of Words"

#justsayno