I am a do-er. I’m a self-proclaimed over-achiever and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love (most) every minute of my crazy life. I’m not very good at slowing down and I’m terrible at taking breaks – although I’m learning, because my marriage, my family and my friends all deserve that from me. I hardly use the word “no” when someone asks something of me because I don’t want to let people down and also because I’m afraid to lose a potential opportunity for growth, change, and development. But as things change in my life, I’m learning that saying “yes” isn’t always the best thing for me.

WAIT. What?! But you just said…. I know what I just said. I firmly believe that my inability to say “no” has gotten me where I am. But I’m at the point now where I have to learn to say “no” to the wrong things so that I can say “yes” to the right ones. If I devote my time and energy to a situation that might bring me money but be more stressful, time-consuming or difficult than it’s worth, I’m hurting myself and my business. Because of the many things I’m a part of, my time is valuable. I can’t afford to lose time doing things that aren’t the best fit for my business simply because they bring in money. I’ve had to learn how to re-focus and think through the decisions I make because of that.

As much as I love being everywhere at once, it’s simply not possible and later, winds up with more work for me – instead of one or two really good sessions I had, I’m now up to 8 (let’s just say!). Or maybe I’ve agreed to one to many shoots in one day – tiring me and my gear out. Or maybe it’s taking on a new VA client that really isn’t a good fit. These are all things that, while they may bring profit, are not doing anything to make my business better or me happier.

So think about your own life. What are you saying “yes” to and what are you saying “no” to? Should you be saying “no” to more? Are the things you’re saying “yes” to helping your business, your family, your marriage? Or are they making you work harder than you should be, running you ragged and making your quality of life low? Those are the commitments we have to stop making – personally and professionally. There is NOTHING wrong with realizing someone, something or somewhere isn’t a good fit for us. And there is definitely nothing wrong with reminding ourselves to say “no” to those things that aren’t good fits for us.

If you find yourself swamped with work you don’t love, in a dead-end job that makes your more tired than fulfilled, with friends who drain you rather than lift you up, or out doing things that don’t make your heart happy, maybe you’ve been saying “yes” to the wrong things. I know it’s hard, but trying saying “no” every once in awhile. I promise, with a little bit of practice you’ll find the best things to pour yourself into!

xoxo

Kristina

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