03: Busy = Out of Control
Hey, it’s Matt
Are you in control of your time?
Or does this sound familiar: “I’m so busy, I don’t have time for this shit.”
Being “busy” comes down to the choices you’ve made, which have put you in that position.
A lack of time is a lack of priorities, a lack of clear goals.
Busy = Out of Control.
If you’re too busy, it’s time to re-assess your goals and priorities.
Then re-examine the systems and rules you have in place to achieve them.
Stop being reactive and doing things that please other people. Start being proactive and focus on your most important goals and priorities, first.
Learn to say “No”.
We tend to say yes to too much stuff and let other people's priorities and mediocre things fill our lives.
Sometimes we say yes when we want to say no. Other times we say no poorly. Every so often we won’t say anything at all in the hope that the problem goes away (which it rarely does).
However, when you have clear goals, it’s easier to say no.
Saying no frees up time to do the things you value, not what other people think is important.
The clearer your goals are, the easier it becomes to say no. It states your intention and shows respect, self-worth, and conviction. Saying no is about you and no one else.
Saying no takes practice, and sometimes it may backfire.
Here are 5 tips to help you say no effectively:
Just Say it. Don’t beat around the bush as this provides an opening. Provide a brief explanation if necessary, but don’t be compelled to. The less said the better.
Be assertive and courteous. Take charge and tell people that you’ll let them know when and if you can action an opportunity.
Be firm. If someone can’t accept you no, stand firm. Don’t be compelled to accept their request because that person is uncomfortable
Be selfish. Put your needs first, not those of the person asking.
Be grateful for being asked. A little bit of gratitude helps soften the delivery and will show that you care as well.
Saying no is the most direct way for you to take back control of your time, and ultimately, your life.
Additional Resources
Everything you’re saying yes to is saying no to something else.
Want to improve your life? Just learn to say no. Imagine what you could do with all that free time 😄
How to Say “No” Gracefully and Uncommit. Saying no helps to shorten your to-do list and grow your not-to-do list.
"The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.”
Warren Buffett
See you next week
Matt
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