What if... I said No...

Finally I found some time to write another post.

The last couple of weeks were the most hectic that I have experienced in a long time and will continue to be until next week Friday.  I don't know about other people, but I tend to think a lot about things when I am under pressure (luckily it is not "bad" pressure).  When I experience high levels of pressures due to commitments and deadlines, I tend to analyse what led to me being over committed (I say over committed because if you were not over committed then you would not be under pressure, right?).

One of the things that often happens, is you get invited to many meetings, presentations, training and functions and it is so easy to accept all of them.  Some reasons why we (or I) tend to accept so easily:

• You want to stay on top of what is happening
• You want to make a meaningful contribution
• You want to support your colleagues
• You want to work on your networks
• You want to ensure you continue to develop your knowledge and skills
• Sometimes you just want a little break from everything else

Most of the things that I have been involved in or attended the last 2 weeks were focused on self development and some even critical to stay in the industry I am working in, so I can comfortably say that I had to do it.

One of the biggest things we can do to manage our time and energy better, is to learn to say "NO".

It is actually a small thing that will make a big difference in your life.  Learn to say "YES" only to the necessary engagements.  Evaluate if the invitation will add value to your life and business or not? Sort the invitations into groups:

• Must attend / Compulsory
• Would like to attend
• Not attending

The must attend / compulsory invitations will either be something you feel you cannot miss or it is critical for you to attend or, obviously, your attendance are compulsory (because your boss or some other senior person said so!).

Then look at the "Would like to attend" and see if your time / calendar / schedule will allow you to attend.  The idea is that it would be nice to attend, but if you don't it would not be a problem.

"Not attending" speaks for itself.  These invites you decline outright without thinking about it any further.

I hope that this will help you and that it will assist you in opening some time in your diary!

Thank you for reading my blog, I really appreciate it!  Don't forget to choose a "reaction" below or to comment and share your views and tips.

Francois