It can be so difficult to say no when you want to grow your business. Yet if you don't learn to say no, you are setting yourself on a path to burnout and perpetual disappointment.
No is often aligned with negative connotations in society. Think about it...
Don't want to go out late with friends = 'You're not fun anymore'
Don't want to over spend = 'you're so tight'
Say no to a normal career = 'do you know what you're doing?'
When I think of those things I see:
Don't want to go out late with friends = We can book a time, but I need rest to be the best for my clients.
Don't want to over spend = Exactly! I am building an incredible future full of options most people will never have.
Say no to a normal career = I didn't want a normal result, so I am trying something. Yes it is a risk, but I want to do this.
It is our No that defines our future far more than our yes. You don't need to be rude or anything other than yourself, and you can do it without guilt. If you are saying no to a close friend or loved one, explain that you are working towards something important. If they don't get it (many won't), thank them for the invite and follow up with them in the next couple of weeks.
Anytime you feel anxious about it, extend your time horizon. Instead of thinking about the immediate disappointment focus on the long term gain. This looks like:
Will my family thank me for this in 6 months?
Am I willing to sacrifice for 12 months to see this result?
Do I need that thing? Really need it?
Is there a way to do this without compromising the dream?
Define your goals so clearly that the decision is already made. People will think you didn't take the time to consider their request. They don't know that you spent the time defining your vision, went into detail on the required actions to get there and because you are saying YES to that future, you can easily say no now.
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