NO stands for Next Opportunity

Oh, how we love the YES.

We say it again and again. To our boss, to our family and to our friends.

But where does it end? How do we know when we’ve hit capacity? Is it too late? Are we too fearful of saying NO to the next opportunity?

Friends, projects, ideas, social events… All these things, well and good, can still be counter-productive to the things that really matter in life.

Without a good no, you can’t afford to say yes. YES to the things that really matter. Saying NO can be hard to master, but the results will be life changing.

You won’t fall into the visibility trap of doing lots, but achieving nothing of real value.

Saying no can become one of the most liberating things you do today.

A good ‘no’ and empower a greater ‘yes’ and lead us towards a more meaningful and purpose driven life.

Let’s practice. Here’s 25 ways to say NO!

No,

Nope,

Negative,

Not this time, sorry,

Sadly I have something else,

Apologies, but I can’t make it,

Maybe next time,

I’m booked in for something else,

I’m not able to take anything else right now,

Not possible,

I’m slammed,

Perhaps next season when things clear up,

I’ll need to bow out for this one,

I’m in a season of NO,

I’m not taking on any new things right now,

It doesn’t sound like the right fit,

No thank you, but it sounds lovely,

I won’t be able to help,

Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t,

I’m learning to limit my commitments,

If only I had a clone!

I won’t be able to fully dedicate the time needed,

Thank you for this opportunity, but i must decline.

I’m honoured, but can’t,

Not now.

Was that so hard? ;-)

Remember, when we respond with a NO, we’re aiming for truthful, not over explanatory and firm responses.

Simplify your life, with the power of knowing when to say NO.