Saying No!

Life is full of choices and the one constant for everyone, regardless of talent, is time. How we choose to spend that time is a key determinant of our happiness, fulfillment, and effectiveness.

Our tendency is to evaluate opportunities individually based on their own merits. Is this thing I am being asked or invited to do worth my time? What is the potential value to me in making this specific investment of time? We then make a “yes or no” decision based on this assessment.  

The problem with this approach is the option set. By saying “yes” we are by default saying “no” to the universe of other opportunities for how we spend that time. We are always saying “no” to something.

When making these decisions I suggest thinking more broadly and more intentionally about how you spend that time. If you fill your days saying yes to meaningful and fulfilling activities, then you won’t have to agonize over these choices because you’ll already have better options already lined up.

Every hour of our life is precious. Unfortunately, we waste far too many of them on things that are not helping us live our mission or find real fulfillment.