Saying no can be easy.
I realize it’s easy to say no to things you don’t like – for me, that is running. If someone asks me to run, it’s an easy no. I don’t enjoy it and never have.
Then, Amy Ronneberg asked me to run a 5K with her. She was dealing with health issues and was intending to run this 5K as a fundraiser one day post medical treatment. How do I say no now? The friend, competitor, and judger in me said “yess!” before I could stop myself.
So, I trained and ran a 5K, and Amy ran with me and then went faster. It was humbling, but as anyone who knows me knows when I commit, I’m in 100%. I did it. I didn’t enjoy it. My family got me through it. They all did it too. I mean, why not take others with you for support?
It wasn’t that difficult, but I didn’t enjoy it. It’s not my jam.
Why? Because I said so.
Now, many years later, I do fewer things I don’t want to. If I’m not in because it’s my highest and best use or I don’t enjoy it, I don’t do it.
That’s all. It’s getting easier.
Clients who aren’t a fit, people who are only in it for their agenda, things I am not passionate about, it’s okay to say no.
Freedom is included with this clarity.
It’s worth it.