The Power of Saying No

Ray Sylvester

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Feb 24, 2017 · 3 min read

This article is the featured editorial in the seventh issue of Horizon, Rocket Code’s monthly email newsletter. Click here to sign up for Horizon and get great insights like these — and more — every month.

Sometimes, it’s nice to be reminded that you have the power to push back.

Your time and energy are precious resources, and you need to protect them.

If you say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, you’ll spread yourself too thin.

Is this a novel idea? Obviously…

No.

But it’s one worth revisiting from time to time.

And rather than put my own spin on it, I thought I’d just share some no-ledge from folks who’ve been there, (haven’t) done that.

First up…

Michael Hyatt talks about a lunch date that didn’t go quite as planned:

Every time I say “no” to something that is not important, I am saying “yes” to something that is.

Ashley Stahl doesn’t want to give away hours of her expertise for free—imagine that:

Saying yes to others can have a powerful impact on your career, your reputation, your professional growth — but saying no — especially when it’s uncomfortable to do so — is one of the most powerful steps you can take in your personal growth.

Jacqueline Whitmore wants entrepreneurs everywhere—especially the “people pleasers”—to know it’s okay to say no:

When you say yes to every opportunity, your actions become reactive and it can bleed in to other areas of your business.

Emily Paige reminds us that “no” doesn’t require an explanation:

Don’t automatically say “yes” just because you find it hard to say “no.” This isn’t what is best for you or for anyone else.

Thomas C. Grella, on the other hand, tells us that saying no “should always include an explanation of why you are doing so”:

If you limit saying “yes” to those things for which you have true passion, as well as activities that make use of your natural strengths, talents and gifts, you will have greater energy for the roles you agree to take on.

Michael Alter believes the opportunity to say no is “the most important strategic decision you have at your disposal as an entrepreneur”:

But don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ when the opportunity is not strategically aligned with your business. I would have failed years ago if I never did.

Nadia Elysse-Harris examines the power of “no” through a terrible experience we’ve probably all gone through in some form:

Every single time I say “yes” when my intuition tells me to say “no,” I give away a little bit of my power.