How to say NO to get more done.
Say no, a bunch — like most of the time.
When you get invited somewhere, or you’re tempted to take on a new project, ask yourself is this really going to get me closer to the lifestyle I want? If you’re taking on things that don’t fit your vision - then you’re surrendering your time.
Here are some things you can say no to right now to get more time in your schedule to do the things you actually want to do.
Saying no projects: If you’re a crafter or a carpenter you probably have everything you need at your house for 10 projects. Do a quick inventory in your head, if you’re honest with yourself - you know I’m right. Use up what you have before you buy more. You could even donate some of your craft supplies to a local adult daycare facility. If that scrapbook paper has been sitting there for 5 years you’re probably never going to do that project. How relevant is that Mexico 2014’ trip to your life right now? You don’t NEED that scrap book As humans, we’re falling back to our hunter-gather instincts. It is hard for us to get rid of something we see value in because we might NEED it one day. But how much value is that big tote of stuff, that you stumble over every time you’re in your basement? Is the time you spend shuffling around that tote or feeling bad about not doing the scrapbook worth it? Consider putting the photos in a digital folder you store in the cloud. You’ll have a sense of peace knowing they’ll be there for you forever.
Saying no to helping others: When I choose to help someone, it is usually out of my instinct to WANT to help someone, not because they asked me. Being selfless is a desirable personality trait but at the expense of what? Don’t put yourself in a situation where your needs are drastically compromised or the time requirement will put a strain on your schedule. I come from a Catholic family, we often make food for births/deaths/whatever and take it to friends and family. Now for example, if I don’t have the time to make a homemade meal - I buy a big refrigerated pizza from the grocery store and a bag salad is almost as welcome. Grocery store run took me 10 minutes versus an hour in the kitchen. If I have time I might make a quick dessert or stop by a local bakery for a personal touch. Help people because you want to not because you feel like you “should.”
Saying no to Invites: Someone offers you free concert/baseball tickets or asks you over for dinner. You’re going to drop your whole schedule right? Wrong. I’m going to suggest you never take last minute invites when it comes to leisure activities. You have a plan for your lifestyle. You’re on the road to eating healthy and getting a good night sleep. You know that if you go to this game/dinner, it might totally throw off your progress by eating junk food and staying out late. Therefore, making it harder to make good decisions for yourself for the whole next week! I’m not saying never take last minute invites, but you have to be on a good track before you can reintegrate things that caused you to not be successful in the past or don’t align with the lifestyle you want. Someone invites you for a hike that same afternoon - do that! You already planned on spending time outside anyway (hopefully). Plus hiking only takes 1-2 hours vs a whole evening/afternoon for a big outing.
Say no to yourself: Stop, look and listen. We all make impulse decisions. But it is almost always because we did not stop, look or listen. When something comes your way & you’re deciding whether or not to do it. Stop - evaluate what the thing actually is, look at it from multiple angles & see how/if it makes sense for you, and listen to your rational brain not your emotional brain. You’ll be avoiding time wasters in no time!
Ready to start preserving your precious time? Your future self will thank you.
