This is where we make our biggest mistakes!
I too have said yes to many and regretted it and still do at times. It is indeed easy to yes to every request on our time and that is because our priorities are not clear to us. When your days are not guided by an inspiring vision for your future, a clear image of an end result will help you act more intentionally and it is not hard for the agendas of those around you to dictate your actions.
"If your priorities don't get scheduled into your planner, other people's priorities will get put into your planner."
The solution here is to get yourself clear about your life's highest objectives and then to learn to say No gracefully. I know this seems a bit tough, but trust me this will not only help you become the person you've always desired to be but the feeling of that fulfillment will advance you.
Here is a small story that will influence you~ There was a man who forged swords for the Maharaja. Even at the age of ninety, his work was carried out with exceptional precision and ability. No matter how rushed he was, he never made even the slightest mistake. One day, the Maharaja asked the old man, "Is this a natural talent or is there some special technique that you use to create your remarkable results?" " It is concentration on the essentials", replied the sword crafter. "I took to forging of swords when I was twenty one years old. I did not care about anything else. It if was not a sword, I did not look or pay attention to it. I took all the energy that I did not give in other directions and put it in the direction of my art. This is the secret to my Mastery."
If you notice, successful people concentrate on their areas of excellence, that is on the things they do best and on those that are high impact activities that will advance their life work. In being so consumed by the most important things, they find it easy to say No to the less important things.
Michael Jordon, the best basketball player in the game's history, did not negotiate his contracts, design or uniforms and prepare his travel schedules. He focused his time and energies on what he did best: playing basketball, and delegated everything else to his handlers. Louis Armstrong did not spend his time selling tickets to his shows and setting up chairs for the audience. He concentrated on his point of Brilliance: playing the trumpet.
Saying No may seem a little rude or selfish, but it is all about how and when you say it and most importantly to whom you say it. Remember you are here living for yourself and your not here to fulfill other's goals.
Here is a small story that will influence you~ There was a man who forged swords for the Maharaja. Even at the age of ninety, his work was carried out with exceptional precision and ability. No matter how rushed he was, he never made even the slightest mistake. One day, the Maharaja asked the old man, "Is this a natural talent or is there some special technique that you use to create your remarkable results?" " It is concentration on the essentials", replied the sword crafter. "I took to forging of swords when I was twenty one years old. I did not care about anything else. It if was not a sword, I did not look or pay attention to it. I took all the energy that I did not give in other directions and put it in the direction of my art. This is the secret to my Mastery."
If you notice, successful people concentrate on their areas of excellence, that is on the things they do best and on those that are high impact activities that will advance their life work. In being so consumed by the most important things, they find it easy to say No to the less important things.
Michael Jordon, the best basketball player in the game's history, did not negotiate his contracts, design or uniforms and prepare his travel schedules. He focused his time and energies on what he did best: playing basketball, and delegated everything else to his handlers. Louis Armstrong did not spend his time selling tickets to his shows and setting up chairs for the audience. He concentrated on his point of Brilliance: playing the trumpet.
Saying No may seem a little rude or selfish, but it is all about how and when you say it and most importantly to whom you say it. Remember you are here living for yourself and your not here to fulfill other's goals.
Learning to say No to the non essential things will give you more time to devote to the things that have the power to truly improve the way you live and help you leave the legacy you know in your heart you are destined to have.
Cheers
Vishal D
4 comments:
Good point Vishal. I always tell my son that 'no' is not negative, it is a word of communication. I would rather have an answer of 'no' then 'maybe' - maybe is not a decision nor a good way to communicate!
This is so true, Vishal! It's easier to say no as you get older and figure this all out. Interesting post!
Nice post Vishal!!! There was a point of time when I never said no to things but now I have learned this art.... :)
Hey Guys, Thank you all for the wonderful comments! I am glad you all agree with this and decided to put this into practice. Makes me feel great! Cheers! Keep checking here for more inspiring updates!
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