Know When to Say “No”

Sometimes the word “no” gets a bad rap. It sounds harsh or limiting. As children we were often told no when we asked for things we wanted. We may have wanted to buy a cheap toy or stay up past our bedtime. As teenagers we may have wanted to go to a party that “everyone” else was going to. When we were younger, we could not appreciate that our parents were protecting our health, keeping us safe and safe-guarding our future by saying no. As adults, however, we recognize their insistence on setting limits was a great act of love so we could grow into thriving, successful adults.

As entrepreneurs, we must also learn to say “no” so that our businesses can thrive, though it’s not always easy. As parents, we know it’s often very tempting to just give in when our children beg and plead with us. It takes a lot of strength to stand our ground, but we do it because we know it’s in our child’s best interest. It’s the same with your brand and in your business. It is hard to say no when there are so many people and opportunities vying for your attention and energy. However, you must learn to do it if you are going to succeed.

Here are 3 Tips to help you know when to say “no” and feel good about it!

1. Say no to anything that does not align with your big vision. In life and in your business you are going to come across many opportunities to do things. However, not all opportunities are equal. You may be offered to work on something that in and of itself is of value and may even be a great opportunity for someone else, but if it does not keep you moving towards your own goals, it is better to let it go. In doing so, you open the door for opportunities that DO align with your vision.

2. Say no to anything that drains your energy. One way to judge whether you should say yes or no to a decision is by noticing how you feel about it, literally. Paying attention to the way your body feels when you are trying to make a decision is a really good indicator of what is best for you. If you feel light and excited, obviously that is a green light to go ahead. On the other hand, if you feel heavy or you notice your stomach getting tight, your body is trying to tell you it is not the right decision for you. We often overlook the messages our bodies are trying to tell us and that is a mistake.

3. Say no to the good so you can say yes to the best. Even when you are working in alignment with your big vision, there will always be things that you do better than others. You should always aim to work and live in those areas which are most natural for you, which optimize your best talents and make you feel the most energized. Of course, there will be times you have to do things that are not your favorite in order to run your business. However, whenever possible, say no to those which are not your strengths so you can focus on what you do best.

Remember saying no is one of the most positive things you can do for yourself and your business. Often saying no to someone or something else is saying YES to you!

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