How you can do it all by learning to say no effectively
Are you able to say “no”?
Not just no to others, but “no” to yourself as well.
Every yes—to other people and to yourself—adds up. Saying yes too often splinters attention, fills your calendar with half-finished projects, and steals the satisfaction of finishing what matters.
Next time, before you say “yes” to that request from someone or your own brain, ask yourself these three simple questions, in any order:
1️⃣ “Will this project directly advance one of my two Most Valuable Activities (MVAs)?”
These are the two things you do that are worth the most per hour. If no, decline or delay. If yes, proceed to the next question.
2️⃣ “Is someone else better suited to complete this project?”
The reality: plenty of people can do certain tasks faster or better than you. If someone else is a better fit, delegate—give clear instructions, set expectations, and follow up so it actually gets done better than you can.
3️⃣ “When do I actually have time in my schedule to start this?”
If it is a project you want to pursue, lengthen out your view of your calendar. Think in terms of *months* from now. When does your schedule start to lighten up? Schedule to start working on it then. Positive procrastination protects your focus.
Remember, any time you say yes to adding something to your schedule, you’re saying no to something else, and you’ll have to remove it.
Try it now: take the next thing you were about to say “yes” to and run it through these three questions. Which one will you say “not now” to?
Are you able to say “no”?
Not just no to others, but “no” to yourself as well.
Every yes—to other people and to yourself—adds up. Saying yes too often splinters attention, fills your calendar with half-finished projects, and steals the satisfaction of finishing what matters.
Next time, before you say “yes” to that request from someone or your own brain, ask yourself these three simple questions, in any order:
1️⃣ “Will this project directly advance one of my two Most Valuable Activities (MVAs)?”
These are the two things you do that are worth the most per hour. If no, decline or delay. If yes, proceed to the next question.
2️⃣ “Is someone else better suited to complete this project?”
The reality: plenty of people can do certain tasks faster or better than you. If someone else is a better fit, delegate—give clear instructions, set expectations, and follow up so it actually gets done better than you can.
3️⃣ “When do I actually have time in my schedule to start this?”
If it is a project you want to pursue, lengthen out your view of your calendar. Think in terms of *months* from now. When does your schedule start to lighten up? Schedule to start working on it then. Positive procrastination protects your focus.
Remember, any time you say yes to adding something to your schedule, you’re saying no to something else, and you’ll have to remove it.
Try it now: take the next thing you were about to say “yes” to and run it through these three questions. Which one will you say “not now” to?