How I learned to say “NO”

Saying no is one of the hardest things for me. My natural inclination is to commit to everything. In the past month alone, I’ve been extended an opportunity to join a bible study, act in a sitcom, coach a boys basketball team and lead a business organization. My desire is to say yes to everything! But I can’t. If I did them all, I would be an emotional wreck.

So how do I decide what I’m able to take on?

It’s either “Hell Yeah!” or “No”

This is advice I learned from entrepreneur, Derek Sivers. He subjects his decisions to the “Hell Yeah!” or “No” principal. Essentially: If an opportunity comes along and the feeling is anything less than,”Wow! That would be amazing! Absolutely! Hell yeah!”, then the answer is “No.”

What I love about this concept is that not only does it place a filter on the decision-making process, but it frees up my time for “Hell Yeah” opportunities later down the road. One of the worst feelings is having to turn down a great opportunity because of other — less “Hell Yeah”— commitments.

So yeah, I get it, saying no is hard, but it’s part of being a good steward — and when done well, it’s the most liberating thing in the world.