It’s okay to say no to things. It’s okay to say no to that extra website design job. It’s okay to say no to that marketing consulting gig. It’s okay to say no to that last meeting of the day. It’s okay to say no to responding to texts right away.
Say no to the stuff that is bogging you down and say yes to giving yourself room to breathe.
Give yourself some room to breathe, clear your mind, and let yourself recuperate. No one can operate at 150 mph every day.
Know when to sprint and know when to stroll.
If you’re not proud of it, don’t serve it.
If you can’t do a good job, don’t take it on.
If it’s going to distract you from the work that truly matters, pass.
If you don’t know why they want you to do this, ask.
If you need to hide it from your mom, reconsider.
If it benefits you but not the people you care about, decline.
If you’re going along with the crowd, that’s not enough.
If it creates a habit that costs you in the long run, don’t start.
If it doesn’t move you forward, hesitate then walk away.
The short run always seems urgent, and a moment where compromise feels appropriate. But in the long run, it’s the good ‘no’s that we remember.
On the other hand, there’s an imperative to say “yes.” Say yes and build something that matters.
– AJM