Last week, I posted an article about some of the ways I discovered help me feel less tired and be more energised.
Reflecting on this, I wanted to share another simple way, that may not immediately come to mind…That is, using the power of the word “no”.
Using “no” as a complete sentence can be a mighty way to power up your life.
Often there is a negative association with the word “no” that prevents its use, when often it can be a healthy and more effective response.
My experience is, that it is a most underused word when it comes to upholding our wellbeing.
A few examples:
1. Saying “no” to meetings without an agenda
In years gone past, I recall the number of hours wasted in meetings that transpired not to be the best use of my time, I was not actually needed and there were better ways for me to add value. These types of meetings were a huge energy drain and left me feeling dissatisfied.
2. Saying “no” to over committing
I realised there to be all sorts of reasons we might do this. To say yes, was often misguided and perceived as helpful or “good”. Not only did I lose time, but my energy was depleted by being overloaded and overwhelmed. I found that despite good intentions this all too often to be a no-win scenario.
3. Just because you can say yes, does not mean you should or are obligated to say yes.
It took practice and time to get comfortable with saying “no”. I learned I do not have to feel guilty for using “no” and the fear of using it was often unfounded.
“No” is a powerful word when used strategically and respectfully with others.
Used effectively, “no” has many positive impacts including:
- helping us feel liberated and empowered to better influence our day
- as an aid to self-care
- frees up time that’s perhaps is better spent elsewhere
- protecting you from unhelpful energy drain
- supporting improved focus (our attention becomes less scattered and diluted)
- supporting our increased effectiveness
- enabling us to feel lighter, less pressured and more happy
Used effectively, “no” has many positive impacts including:
- helping us feel liberated and empowered to better influence our day
- as an aid to self-care
- frees up time that’s perhaps is better spent elsewhere
- protecting you from unhelpful energy drain
- supporting improved focus (our attention becomes less scattered and diluted)
- supporting our increased effectiveness
- enabling us to feel lighter, less pressured and more happy
Using “no” to power up your life has far reaching applications.
It’s taken time, but I have learned and gotten comfortable about when to use it, how to use it and most of all why it would be a good response to choose when faced with a decision about what I do or don’t do in my daily life, taking into consideration the bigger picture.
Using “no” helps me be more energetically resourced to better help others and those I work with – something I care deeply about.
In closing, my examples are a glimpse into the powerful impact of using “no” in the right ways, more often to power up your energy and your life.
What are you going to say “no” to today, so that you can say yes to powering up your life?
