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Saying No, a Time Management Strategy

“No” is a complete sentence. There is no mistaking what it means. “No” doesn’t have to come across without feeling or with arrogance. Many people are worn out because they say “Yes” to every request that is made of them. They are caught on a treadmill of pleasing others.

We all have certain activities and projects that fit our values and are in line with our personal desires. Take the time to think through those things you absolutely want to say “Yes” to. Once you know those, saying “No” to the rest becomes a whole lot easier.

Saying “No” will give you more time to concentrate your efforts on those areas and activities that are of greater importance to you.

Not being everything is smart; not working on everything but rather emphasizing selected strengths is the route to excellence. For many people, this understanding requires a redirection of the doing all and being all to being more by focusing on less and doing a lot of what you do well.

Donald Clifton, Paula Nelson, Soar With Your Strengths 1992, Dell Publishing

Five Days of Action

DAY ONE If you agree to take on too many responsibilities and little projects for people to the degree that it is causing you significant stress, practice saying the following for the rest of the day: “Sorry, I'm not able to do that.” No need for a long justification. “No” is a full sentence. Be kind. But be firm.
DAY TWO Take some time today to think about whether by saying “yes” more than you should you are really trying to please others and have them think highly of you. This may not be the case at all for you. You may just be a very accommodating person. Even so, take some time to dig a little deeper and examine your own motives.
DAY THREE Today, practice saying “yes” to those requests which align with your values and priorities and which are reflective of the practical amount of time you have available. Say “no” to everything else.
DAY FOUR When you do say “yes”, be generous with your help and time, knowing that it is exactly what you should be doing right now. It is perfectly reflective of your personal interests, values and passion.
DAY FIVE Today, review your new policy about saying “no”. Does it work for you? Make adjustments if needed. Be prepared for the next request that is made of you.

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The objective of this site and our whole service is to help others be more productive and effective in work, in leadership and life in general. So your story is important. If it fits the topic, I'll use it.

Thanks for doing this.
Gary

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G.E.Wood and Associates is an international executive coaching firm registered in Ontario, Canada
142 Pratt Crescent, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, P1P 1P5

What These Practical Productivity Strategies Have Meant to Others

Gary Wood is a master Coach who delivers just what we need: laser-like direction and tools to gain control of our time and life ... these principles are practical and on target.

F. Joseph Miller
Sr. Director, Information Technology
XOMA (US) LLC
California

These principles have been authored by a man who has been in the trenches long enough to know the good and practical nuggets from the trendy but impractical nuggets. I have been able to integrate many of these principles into my work habits and I am now able to achieve more results with less stress. A must-read for anyone seeking to break out of a rut and rise to new levels of personal achievement.

Tim Hauber
General Manager
Lucayan Tropical Produce
Bahamas

These principles are a fantastic teaching tool that reminds even the most seasoned leaders of the important concepts that must be taught, modeled and measured to strengthen one's style and approach. They provide hope that if the commitment is there, improvement can happen.

Sherry Fournier
Director, Autism Services
Child Care Resources
Ontario

Gary Wood is an excellent coach. In these principles you will discover Gary's coaching knowledge and skills. He not only shares important principles, but provides diagnostic tools and practical solutions, and the motivation to use them.

Colin McKenzie
Senior Pastor
Fellowship Baptist Church
Kanata, Ontario

Gary has the gift of bringing clarity and focus to any situation. These principles and his book belong on the desks of busy people who will learn from his wisdom and pragmatic style.

Judy Santos
ICF Master Certified Coach
Founder and President
Christian Coaches Network

As a long-time colleague of Gary's, I have grown to appreciate his practicality, creativity and leadership. His latest book, 52 Solutions for Those Who Need a 25 Hour Day, demonstrates these same attributes. It is very practical in introducing one concrete idea at a time, it is creative in suggesting how to work with this idea indifferent ways throughout the week, and it shows leadership in illustrating how we can integrate many small changes over the period of a year. If we follow Gary's clear directions, I am sure that each of us can significantly "redeem our time" and become more effective in our individual vocation.

Dr. Doug Hayhoe
Associate Professor of Mathematics and Science Education
Tyndale University College