Respond to Commitments With Only “no” or “damn It”
It’s easy to overrun your schedule if you’re not careful. Making a decision about what you are not enthusiastic about is a quick way to lose your temper. The next time you think about whether to add something to your schedule if your answer doesn’t sound like “Damn it!” then say no.
As writer Derek Sivers suggests, this filter will prevent you from clogging up the time with events that you are not interested in. Not only does this keep you from having to spend time on things you don’t want, it keeps your schedule open for things that you do like. Your time is limited. It makes sense to save it for things that are important to you:
When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to fully immerse yourself in that rare thing that makes you say, “ADRA!”
We’re all busy. We’ve all taken on too much. Saying yes to the smaller is the answer.
Of course, as with everything else, there is also a reverse perspective. Sievers himself shared a post by writer Sid Sawara, who offers a third option: “Damn, why not?” Saying no to everyone but your favorite commitments is only really helpful if you’re going to replace them with something productive or beneficial for your time. If rejection means you’ll be sitting at home and watching Netflix for the fourth night in a row: “Why not?” might be the best option:
On the other hand, if your time is not being used very quickly, before using BP YES (or lack thereof) as a determinant, ask yourself: Am I going to do something productive using the time I am saving by not taking on it? project, or is it just an excuse?
You don’t have to say yes to everything that comes your way, but I would at least consider taking a dip if you don’t have a better option.
Regardless of which approach you prefer, the goal remains the same: not letting you waste time doing things that you hate because you feel like you should . In most cases, we have more choices than we think. Of course, you cannot give up your job and you may have family or loved ones to take care of. However, your free time is at your disposal as you see fit. If you don’t prioritize, someone else will .
No more yes. EITHER HELL YES! or not. | Derek Sivers via Rockstar Finance