Saying No

This year I feel like I’ve been busier than I have been in years. My email inbox and my to-do list keep growing, it’s apparent I’ve agreed to too many things and now it’s starting to weigh on me. As I attempt to regroup and get some control back I’m reminded of the video above by Derek Sivers.

I’ve watched this video a few times over the years and I’ve always felt it was on the selfish side. I’m driven to want to serve and help others and by saying, “yes”, to things that might not be great I’ve opened many doors and got a lot out of it. It’s been easy for me to dismiss the advice in this video, but now I’m at the point where it feels like everything is getting away from me. It’s time to say, “No”.

I’ve had to say it two or three times today alone and it’s not easy. I don’t want to let people down, but once you get overwhelmed there are only two solutions, say no or say yes and delegate​. ​Since my time is limited and I don’t have an option of delegating, my answer is no for the next few months.