People I admire know how to be well-received without kissing-up. They respect their time and confidently say no to me or anyone. One told me recently she believes great happiness arises from what you say no to.
It’s a simple concept: you have limited time and energy, and how you use it makes who you are. These no’s are simple, apparently insignificant daily things, yet they define your life. Saying no initially feels selfish and self-centered. But ultimately, it proves that personal boundaries are essential for well-being. The three basic guidelines for saying no:
Focus: Avoid distractions and obligations based on “shoulds” and instead prioritize musts. It might be challenging at first, but it’ll help clarify your goals, reduce stress, and boost your satisfaction in the long run.
Task: Review your daily to-do list.
Prioritization: Overcommitment leads to low quality, errors, and burnout. Guard your attention. Defend your time. Conserve your energy. Spread too thin, you cannot fully engage with what matters most.
Task: Create a not-to-do list. Identify timewasters. Stop it.
Boundaries: Go deep with fewer people and projects. Don’t deplete your time, energy, and well-being with situations that don’t align with your values or goals. Limit your availability. Being everywhere dilutes your brand and, most importantly, your impact. Being scarce safeguards your well-being and maintains a sustainable engagement level in the areas that matter most to you. Don’t be everywhere.
Carlos Valenzuela Online 