I have had an opportunity to work from home for part of this summer. It has been more difficult than I imagined… and I have learned why. I am addicted to being really busy. Addicted to saying “yes” to all the things I want or feel I need. To all the things in life. I don’t want to miss a thing. And I am acutely aware of how short life is which perpetuates these needs and wants. I don’t want one day to go by where I have missed something important or not made steps towards some accomplishment. Aren’t we supposed to embrace all of life with a big resounding “Yes!?”

Well, that means saying “no” sometimes. I have decided it is time to say “no,” so I can get my priorities straight. I made a commitment to myself to start saying no to things that are not important. I know so well in business that it is sometimes more important to identify what not to do, than what to do. See my list of “No’s” below. Do any of these resonate with you?

Food that Makes Me Feel Bad

I have been told my whole life to eat food that gives me energy and that makes me feel good, not sick. It wasn’t until my first round of the popular Whole 30 cleanse, that I truly understood this. For the first time after clearing my body of all the bad stuff, I could truly see how my energy and skin and emotional outlook responded to what I was eating and drinking. While my wine is still a keeper, I am saying no more frequently to all the food that makes me feel tired, inflamed, heavy and not strong.

People that Make Me Feel Bad

Over the past 10 years I have been working hard to get negative people out out out of my life and I have done a pretty good job considering it is hard for me to do so. The people that aren’t appreciative, people that aren’t encouraging, and people that generally make everything more exhausting are the people that make me feel bad. Why oh why do we work and struggle and stay up all night trying to solve for people in our lives, that just shouldn’t be in our lives. I am the kind of person who is friends with everyone…. and that can include people that take advantage of me and really don’t want the best for me. I pray for discernment when people come into my life that are like this.

Angry Conversations About Politics

I just can’t do this anymore. There has been nothing productive in any of my conversations in this new world order of American politics with friends and family and even people in the grocery line. And I know it’s me. At least I am a big part of the problem. I have no patience this year for conversations that don’t align with my very passionate perspective on all the issues that we are faced with now in the 24 hour news cycle and new administration. All of it literally makes me sick to my stomach. I know I will find a way at some point to use my passion for productive efforts around the issues I care about… but right now, no. I can’t calm down, so I have to steer clear at least until I can be more mature.

Travel that is Not Worth My Time and Energy

When I started my own business a few years ago, I thought I needed to spend my time on the constant “road show.” Running about the country telling all the folks out there about all that we do at Norton. I think some of that was really important… I did that and we got business. We got our start. But now we have a strong portfolio of work and amazing client partners… and now the works speaks louder than I ever could. So, I’m saying no to travel that I am not fairly certain will produce a positive outcome. All those flights and hotels and ubers and dinners and delays, took a toll. What did I trade for being out of the office and home for those 3 years? I have some guesses, but now it’s time to travel and work smart.

Nancy Reagan’s famous mission from the 1980’s to end addiction to drugs with the “Just Say NO” campaign was proven to be ineffective. However, in my case, I am going to give it a shot. What can you say ‘no’ to that will help you build a life that is more rewarding? Do you have any ideas for me on how to stay true to this new commitment?