The more experience I get in life the more I learn the importance of personal development. And, one of the most important aspects of personal development I have learned is the unique and rare skill of being able to say “No”.
In fact, learning to say no may be the most important personal, professional or leadership development tool one can have.
We have lots of opportunities to say yes. The old saying, whether it’s doctrinally true or not is fully practically true. “If Satan can’t make you bad he’ll make you busy”. I’ve seen throughout my life, especially with my personality wiring for achievement, that if I’m not careful I will say yes to things God has never planned for me to do and often I’m not capable or the best person to do them. Does that ever happen to you?
Saying no, as hard as it is for some of us, comes with great reward:
- Saying no is the power to help resist temptation…
- Saying no keeps you from the stress of overcommitting…
- Saying no protects family life…
- Saying no provides adequate time for what matters most…
- Saying no preserves energy levels for prioritized work…
- Saying no allows others opportunities they wouldn’t have if you always say yes…
- Saying no permits you to control your schedule for an ultimate good…
The value of learning when to say no, and actually practicing it, is immeasurable. (I’m sure you could add even more values to my list., but I’m kind of stuck on the number 7 🙂 )
I highly encourage learning the power of “No”.
In what area of your life do you most need to personally develop in your ability to say no?
Thanks Ron for those thoughts. Saying NO can be really difficult. Pastor Raynold Degadzor
Yes!
Saying "No" is such a key for success and a balanced life. We need to say no to the things that can hold us back so we can say yes to the things that will launch us forward. Great topic and reminder.
Thanks Dan!
Ron, this is a more powerful post than many realize. When this finally clicked with me, I was trying to be everything to everybody and it was not working. The only thing it did was keep me busy, but I was not effective or productive.
Since I have learned to say no, I have become much more effective in my areas of strength. It is still a challenge when someone approaches me with an opportunity where I know I could be an asset, but doesn't fit my purpose. I just keep reciting Jim Collins' mantra that "Good is the enemy of great!"
I can be good at many things, but if I want to be great, I must narrow my focus…which includes a lot of saying "No."
I hope people that do not yet really "get" this will dwell on this post until it clicks!
Thanks!
Thanks Chris. Adding Collins thought process to this post makes it better. I agree. “good is the enemy of great”.Ron
I added a mention of this post on JeremieKubicek.com in my comment on his post about aligning passion, ability, and opportunity for the greatest impact.
If we are not saying "No" to the good opportunities (not aligned with our purpose), we will miss those great opportunities that are!
So true. Thank you!
My two cents: It's also important for leaders to remember to empower their teams so that they feel they are allowed to say no.
Absolutely. Love it!
Hey Ron, I like it! My thoughts on this were in my last post at http://pastor2pastors.com/2011/10/just-say-no/
Blessings,
Keith
Love it. Thanks
One important point in saying 'no': ____Being firm but polite. This gives the signal that we are sympathetic, but will not easily change our mind if pressured. ( Care should be taken — not to be defensive or overly apologetic )____
Secondly, in order to learn to say “no”, we must clearly understand our priorities and desires. What are we waiting for? Clearly define the priorities in our life: And when making a choice between saying “yes” or “no”, never forget it.
Good as always Uma! Thank you!
I have to admit that sometimes I finagle my schedule to fit in time to cycle. probably could do a better job of that. I say No to some things so I can ride. 🙂
Go for that ride my friend. Say No!