I often teach my clients and students that you’ve got to be willing to say yes when opportunities are presented to you. HOWEVER – most of us struggle with saying yes to too many things that are truly unimportant to us. Saying yes is very powerful when you find the RIGHT opportunities.
Determining what is the right opportunity comes with careful decision-making about things that will directly affect your bottom line, save you time, or get you closer to your big goals. Saying yes to every opportunity is NOT the right thing. Saying yes to everything will water down your effectiveness, drain your resources, and delay your results.
One of my favorite quotes from late Steve Jobs is about focus:
People think focus means saying yes to everything you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.
Therefore, mom, it’s important to make the distinction that when you’re feeling over-scheduled and pulled in many different directions, it’s ok to say no.
What is most important to you?
Since your sustained focus is so critical to your success as a mom entrepreneur, one of the best things you can do is determine what is most important to you. The conversation begins around your values – those things that are often as non-negotiable for you. Whatever those are it doesn’t matter. Each person is unique and has a unique set of values that drives their behavior. But it is well-known that when one acts in accordance with her values she has a heightened sense of purpose, experiences more satisfaction, and ultimately can create the results she desires, with the least amount of loss or cost.
Consistently aligning your actions with your values is the secret formula for success and satisfaction.
[Tweet “Don’t know how to say NO? Try this tip. #communication”]
Your Sanity Assignment
Make a list of the obligations that are on your plate right now. Review this list and identify the tasks that do NOT feel aligned with your values. Be sure to make note of the eye-rollers, and those things that cause you tension. Review your list with the following questions in mind.
What are you willing to let go of? What tasks should you say no to in the future? What can you quit right now to make more room for satisfaction and flow?
The key is not to agree to everything. Saying Yes to appease others leads to someone who is overcommitted, over scheduled, unhappy, and is bound to affect your productivity and results.
Review your list, then take a deep breath, give yourself permission and just say no.
Please comment!
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who struggle with not being able to JUST SAY NO? Please share your insights and comments below!
