Master the Art of Saying "NO"

Achievers are dime-a-dozen. Super-achievers are not. They are one-in-a-billion!  What separates the simply good from the absolute masters?

Well a lot of course.  There are many distinguishing factors.  Ask the super-achievers to give you just one insight and they'll all tell you you're managing time wrong.  You're managing time, and they own time. 

How do they own time?  They've determined their highest 3 or 4 priorities, and only focus their efforts and time on those. One of their biggest secrets is the word "no".  

No has tremendous power to focus you.  No has the power to shape where you commit, and perhaps more importantly, what you don't commit to.  For example, when you say yes to happy hour, vegging-out on the couch, one more drink, etc. you're defining your lack of care for your time.

Saying yes to these or any other non-priority item steals from your time, steals from your success and steals from your life.  Saying no has tremendous power to control your focus. It's not about being difficult.  It's about being respectful to your future, your success and your fulfillment. 

Take Steve Jobs as an example.  He was asked what he was most proud of at Apple.  His response was, he was just as proud of what Apple didn't do as what Apple did create.  In other words, he said no to things so he could provide what Apple delivers you today. 

Saying no is hard.  Sometimes it just feels great to lounge around and take your foot off the gas.  Super-achievers feel the same way. The difference, they choose too say no to what others say yes too out of respect for their future.  That way, they have the time available, so they can say yes to sow thing truly impactful and fulfilling that contributes to their highest priorities. 

Saying no is a skill that you must learn and practice.  Decide what are your top 3 or 4 priorities in life.  Then start saying no a little at a time each day to action, activities and events that don't contribute to the success of your priorities.  One directed "no" each day can start turning you from simply good to great! 

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