So many of us fall into the trap of saying yes to things that we should be saying no to. And when we're not saying yes we're spending time regretting not having the nerve to say no! Quite frankly it's exhausting...
Do you find yourself saying yes to: -
- Social invites that you don't really want to attend?
- Client meetings that take up too much time?
- Activities that you can't afford?
- Family requests that you find draining?
If you've fallen into the 'Yes Trap' where you're agreeing to things you'd rather not be doing it's time to set some boundaries. Follow these 3 simple steps and nail the nerve to say no: -
1. Hindsight is a great thing
Firstly learn from your mistakes and get to know yourself a bit better - it's important to recognise what motivates you to say yes even when you want to say no. Ask yourself -
- Why did I say yes when I should have said no?
- What was I fearful of losing or missing out on by saying no?
- Who did I want to impress?
2. Stand up for yourself
If you don't set boundaries you'll simply waste time and wind up feeling frustrated and unhappy. You need to determine a clear set of guidelines that help you navigate through making a decision so that you don't yes when you feel under pressure! Think about what's important to you and what you truly value in your personal and professional life. When you know what your values are saying no becomes a whole lot easier!
3. Buy yourself time
If you break into a cold sweat at the prospect of saying 'no' you need to create time for yourself to think clearly and objectively. First and foremost, when a request is made, don't answer immediately! Simply ask if you can respond or rsvp later in the day and then consider your answer in line with your boundaries and values. Give yourself time to make an informed and calculated decision.
What are you going to start saying no to? Post a comment - I'd love to hear from you.
Showing posts with label Unfocussed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unfocussed. Show all posts
Would you like to eliminate email-overwhelm?
How much clutter do you have in your inbox? By clutter I mean 'stuff' you know you should read or reply to, but you're not sure when you'll find the time or the inclination to do it ..
The worrying thing about 'stuff' is that it builds up - it's like a dirty disease that multiplies and in the end your inbox resembles a dusty archiving system that seems to serve only one purpose - to give you a big headache!
Email's a fantastic tool when it's used smartly but it's detrimental when it's relied on as a key source of communication. So like any bad habit, it's time to take control of this vice before it controls you by following our simple 3-step plan. If you're a subscriber to our e-newsletter you'll already know what you need to do - if not, subscribe now to keep up to date with our regular blasts of inspiration.
Take Control Of Your Emails Before They Control You!
1. Don't Con Yourself With Folders & Rules!
Having multiple 'smart' mailboxes that divert emails into separate folders does not make you more productive, it simply aids procrastination. Instead of spending time setting up complex rules and folders, simply deal with the messages in your inbox now and eliminate filing them altogether!
2. Unsubscribe
How many newsletters, updates and ezines do you receive a week? And how many do you actually read and get value from? Your life, career and business WON'T fall apart if you hit unsubscribe. Having the motto 'I MIGHT need it' isn't smart thinking so ditch what you don't need right now and only focus on what's important.
3. Pick Up The Phone
This ones simple - relationships and effective communication are fundamental in any area of life. But both can be horribly affected by using inappropriate email or relying on cyberspace as being the only form of communication. So before you practice your 100wpm typing speed consider whether picking up the phone might be a more effective medium? It's easy, it's reliable, and it'll give your inbox a well deserved break!
Is email controlling your life? Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of not being able to log on? Participate in our quick survey at the top of this page, and post a comment now to let us know your thoughts.
The worrying thing about 'stuff' is that it builds up - it's like a dirty disease that multiplies and in the end your inbox resembles a dusty archiving system that seems to serve only one purpose - to give you a big headache!
Email's a fantastic tool when it's used smartly but it's detrimental when it's relied on as a key source of communication. So like any bad habit, it's time to take control of this vice before it controls you by following our simple 3-step plan. If you're a subscriber to our e-newsletter you'll already know what you need to do - if not, subscribe now to keep up to date with our regular blasts of inspiration.
Take Control Of Your Emails Before They Control You!
1. Don't Con Yourself With Folders & Rules!
Having multiple 'smart' mailboxes that divert emails into separate folders does not make you more productive, it simply aids procrastination. Instead of spending time setting up complex rules and folders, simply deal with the messages in your inbox now and eliminate filing them altogether!
2. Unsubscribe
How many newsletters, updates and ezines do you receive a week? And how many do you actually read and get value from? Your life, career and business WON'T fall apart if you hit unsubscribe. Having the motto 'I MIGHT need it' isn't smart thinking so ditch what you don't need right now and only focus on what's important.
3. Pick Up The Phone
This ones simple - relationships and effective communication are fundamental in any area of life. But both can be horribly affected by using inappropriate email or relying on cyberspace as being the only form of communication. So before you practice your 100wpm typing speed consider whether picking up the phone might be a more effective medium? It's easy, it's reliable, and it'll give your inbox a well deserved break!
Is email controlling your life? Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of not being able to log on? Participate in our quick survey at the top of this page, and post a comment now to let us know your thoughts.
The State of Stuckness!
For many years athletes have done all they can to improve their performance, from specialised training programs to nutrition and drugs. Nowadays the focus has changed. Whilst nutrition and training are critical, they now know that their mental state is key and no matter how strong their ability, if they're in the wrong state they won't get the results they're striving for.
What state were you in when you got up today? Are you having one of those fantastic days when you feel like you can conquer the world, where no challenge is too great and no-one get you down? Or are you having one of those days when you can't seem to get anything done, everyone's aggravating you, and the fact that there were no empty seats on the bus was enough to bring on emotional trauma?
In both scenarios, which lets face it most of us have experienced at one time or another, you were the same person with the same abilities. The only difference was your state and how you let your state affect your outlook and behaviour.
Check in with your state right now - are you:
• Emotionally - frustrated, irritable, dissatisfied?
• Physically - stressed, exhausted, tense?
• Mentally - unfocused, worried, distracted?
Would you like to be:
• Emotionally - excited, happy, content?
• Physically - relaxed, energetic, energised?
• Mentally - focused, confident, motivated?
The trick here is to become more aware of your state, as awareness proceeds action. When you notice that your state isn't quite what you'd like it to be, that's when you can choose to change it!
"If you don't consciously choose your state, one will be subconsciously chosen for you. So wake up!" - Chris Barez-Brown
There are endless ways to change your state and they don't have to be complex - as long as you feel a positive shift in the direction you want, then it worked! So try some of these today and get into a good state right now:
• Listen to your favourite music
• Move - get up, go for a walk, change seats, make a coffee
• Physical exertion - do some sit-ups, ride your bike, go for a run
• Talk & laugh with a friend
• Reframe - look at the situation from a positive perspective
• Take a deep breath, meditate, or read a book
By enhancing your state, you enhance your quality of life.
What state were you in when you got up today? Are you having one of those fantastic days when you feel like you can conquer the world, where no challenge is too great and no-one get you down? Or are you having one of those days when you can't seem to get anything done, everyone's aggravating you, and the fact that there were no empty seats on the bus was enough to bring on emotional trauma?
In both scenarios, which lets face it most of us have experienced at one time or another, you were the same person with the same abilities. The only difference was your state and how you let your state affect your outlook and behaviour.
Check in with your state right now - are you:
• Emotionally - frustrated, irritable, dissatisfied?
• Physically - stressed, exhausted, tense?
• Mentally - unfocused, worried, distracted?
Would you like to be:
• Emotionally - excited, happy, content?
• Physically - relaxed, energetic, energised?
• Mentally - focused, confident, motivated?
The trick here is to become more aware of your state, as awareness proceeds action. When you notice that your state isn't quite what you'd like it to be, that's when you can choose to change it!
"If you don't consciously choose your state, one will be subconsciously chosen for you. So wake up!" - Chris Barez-Brown
There are endless ways to change your state and they don't have to be complex - as long as you feel a positive shift in the direction you want, then it worked! So try some of these today and get into a good state right now:
• Listen to your favourite music
• Move - get up, go for a walk, change seats, make a coffee
• Physical exertion - do some sit-ups, ride your bike, go for a run
• Talk & laugh with a friend
• Reframe - look at the situation from a positive perspective
• Take a deep breath, meditate, or read a book
By enhancing your state, you enhance your quality of life.
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