How often do you say no?
If you're thinking that you don't say it enough, you're in good company (I coach around this ALL THE TIME).
And if you think that you're great at saying no, you might want to do a quick reality check (to be certain). Ask yourself: - how busy you are (is your calendar overloaded or spacious?)
- whether you're regularly checking off your to-do list items (or instead making it longer)
- how often you're able to prioritize what's truly important
Your answers to these questions will tell you the truth.
Why To Say No More Often
It's amazing how a simple two-letter word can be so troublesome.
You might feel guilt around saying no. Or maybe you think it's not acceptable and will inhibit you from being successful (most lawyers I know fall into this category).
No matter why it's difficult, you need to say no more often. Because saying no is about saying YES to what's most important. It's necessary if you want success that's sustainable.
Besides, it's not as "unaccepted" as you might think. You can't be everything to everyone (trying to do that will only hurt you and your work product). And other people (including your colleagues, boss, and clients) know that.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about from my life (when I was still a FT lawyer)...
It was the last week of November and I was CRAZY busy with deals that had to close on or prior to December 31st. My biggest (and most profitable) client asked me if I could take one more year-end deal.
And I said no.
Although I was worried about how he'd take it (he was practically begging), I couldn't in good conscience take on anything else. One more project would put me and my team over the edge.
After explaining why I couldn't take the work, he THANKED ME for being honest. And then he sent me more business the next year. Turns out he respected my honesty and that I prioritized quality.
How to Say No With Grace (and Without Guilt)
So, how do you say no in a way that feels good (and with grace)?
- 2 tips for saying no without the guilt
- EXACTLY what to do when someone's trying to pressure you into a yes
- a simple 3-step process for saying no with ease and grace
Saying no is about so much more than the no. It's about simplifying your life and freeing up time for what's most important to YOU.
Before you go, hit reply to this email and tell me when you have the MOST trouble saying no. What's going on and who's involved? I'll respond with a few tips to help you out.
XO, | 
