If it’s not a straight “Yes”, it’s a “No”.
Charlie Munger, the brilliant investor, was known for making decisions very quickly.
He said “no” 90% of the time but achieved incredible success.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the demands on your time?
Do you say “Yes” to things, only to regret it later?
If so, you’re not alone.
We all struggle with saying “No.”
But the truth is, using”No” more often is decisive for yourself, your loved ones, and your career.
Think about it:
Every time you say “yes” to something, you say “no” to something else.
When you take an extra project at work, you say “no” to pursuing a personal goal.
When you say “yes” to a social event, you say “no” to a relaxing evening at home.
Have you noticed?
We often say “Yes” to something far off in our timeline.
The distance makes us think it’s not a big deal.
But the easy “Yes” of a few weeks ago is getting more complex as the date approaches.
And usually, it takes longer than expected when we start doing it.
“If you say ‘No’ ninety percent of the time, you’re not missing much in the world.”
—Charlie Munger
7 Ways to Say No & Achieve Your Goals
1/ The Courage to Disappoint:
It’s okay to disappoint people sometimes. It’s better to say “no” upfront than to say “yes” and then not be able to follow through.
“I appreciate the offer, but I must prioritize my existing commitments now.”
Zoom in: One of my favorite reads in 2025.
The Courage to Be Disliked: 4 Keys to Choosing Happiness and Finding Freedom
2/ The “No” That Fuels Your Passion:
When you’re faced with a decision, take a moment to consider your priorities.
What’s most important to you? What are your goals?
Saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities will free up time and energy for the things that do.
Questions to ask yourself:
- “Does this align with my long-term goals?”
- “Is this the best use of my time and energy?”
3/ The Power of the Pause:
Don’t feel pressured to answer right away when someone asks you to do something.
This will give you time to consider your options and decide.
- “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.”
- “I need some time to think this over. I’ll give you an answer tomorrow”
4/ The Creative “No”:
Consider offering an alternative if you cannot say “yes” to a request.
If you’re asked to lead a project but don’t have the time, you could suggest someone else who might be a good fit.
- “I can’t attend the meeting, but I’d be happy to provide my input beforehand.”
- “I’m unable to take on new clients right now, but I can recommend a colleague who might be a good fit.”
5/ The Art of the Gentle “No”:
When you do say “no,” be clear and concise.
You don’t need to make excuses or apologize.
- “Thank you for the invitation, but I won’t be able to make it.”
- “I appreciate the offer, but I will have to decline.”
6/ The “No” Self-Care:
Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel guilty or uncomfortable when you say “no.”
But remember, you’re not responsible for other people’s feelings.
You have the right to set boundaries and prioritize your own needs.
Replace :
- “I should have helped” by “It’s okay to say ‘no’ to protect my well-being.”
- “It seems important to him” by “My needs are important, and it’s okay to prioritize them.”
7/ The “No” Muscle:
The more you practice saying “no,” the easier it will become.
Start by saying “no” to small requests, like invitations to events you don’t want to attend.
- “I’m not interested. Thank you.”
- “I’m going to have to decline your offer.”
The bottom line
Learning to say “no” takes practice. But it’s a skill worth developing.
Saying “no” more often can help you reduce stress, achieve your goals, and live a more fulfilling life.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Learn how to confidently say ” no ” and create a life you love.
Book a free strategy session to explore how I can help you achieve greater success.
See you soon.
Dror
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