[7 Critical Mindset Shifts] Say No Easily + Often

After a year of shut down, limited interaction, and having your groceries delivered, do you want to return to all the activities, events, and groups you were doing before? Yeah, me, either.

So, as things start to open, and the opportunity to re-engage happens, here’s a warning from author Greg McKeown: “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” Right?!

That’s because you (and I) say yes too easily and often.

In today’s brave new world, you need to say no more easily and often. So you can spend most of your time on what truly matters most to your business and life.

Right now, it’s easier than ever to say no because many entrepreneurs and success-minded people are doing the exact same thing. You can make new choices along with them.

How can you start developing the habit and skill of saying no more easily?

One way is to stop responding so quickly to requests for your time.

Instead, give yourself a few seconds to think and create a pause. Have a go-to phrase like “Hmm…let me get back to you” or “Let me check on a few things first.”

Next, follow-up with an email or text using the No Sandwich:

• First slice of bread is a sentence thanking them. “Thanks for reaching out about…”

• The next sentence is the real “meat”. Say no. “Sounds like a great idea, but I can’t.” or “Right now I’ve got other commitments.” No big explanation needed. And no guilt. The only thing you owe them is a yes or no.

• The second slice of bread is wishing them well. “I’m sure it will be a great time. All the best!”

Saying no easily and often takes practice and, at times, it’s awkward. But the reward is huge and necessary in a fast-changing, complex world: Time dedicated to your priorities, not someone else’s.