HOME & GARDEN CONSUMER GUIDE
Key to Simplicity: The Word "No"
Once our lives start feeling overwhelmed, we put a lot of time and energy into the process of simplifying. Wouldn't it be easier to not fill it up in the first place? Learn the value of the word "No"!. Some things to say "No Thanks" to include (but are definitely not limited to!):
APPOINTMENTS
One of my clients recently told me he wrote the word NO in large letters and then highlighted it on every page of his planner. It served as a constant reminder to question why he was scheduling something and made sure only the appointments that made sense for him made it in the book.
NON-ESSENTIAL PURCHASES
At least twice. If you are in the store and say no twice (two separate visits), but find you still want it, go ahead and buy it with a free conscience. It's probably not something you're going to want to get rid of in 3 months.
GET-TOGETHERS WITH FRIENDS IF THE TIME OR ENERGY DOESN'T WORK FOR YOU
Their time is precious, but so is yours. Giving in when someone "insists" normally puts a strain on the relationship. And the more often you do it, the bigger the strain. Say yes when it feels right, and respect their right to say No to you.
ANYTHING THAT YES WASN'T YOUR "FIRST" ANSWER TO
This may be the most important one of all. Sometimes we say no, but others are very persuasive or very persistent and we find ourselves saying "Yes" for a whole bunch of reasons that have nothing to do with the topic at hand. Sometimes it's because a "no" feels like a rejection of the person asking, instead of the thing they're asking. The possessions or responsibilities we come into this way are guaranteed to oppress us because the guilt that made us accept in the first place makes it almost impossible to unload these things later. This takes practice, but may be one of the best skills you ever develop.
THE WORDS "FOR NOW"
Any time you're tempted to put something down just "for now", STOP! Don't Do It! Take a look around at all the items you'd like to get rid of and ask yourself how much of it did you place it where it was thinking "I'll just put this here FOR NOW". It's a short-term way of tricking ourselves into thinking we've taken care of something. All we're really doing is saving the problem for another day. So, figure out what the item should really go and take that action right away.
THE WORDS "JUST IN CASE"
A lot of what we keep around us, we keep "just in case" it might come in handy one day. If you're completely honest with yourself, what percentage of that stuff ever has its day in the sun? Very, very little. So do yourself a favor and get rid of everything that fits in this category. You won't believe how much freer you feel!
Louise Morganti Kaelin is a Life Success Coach who partners with others to help them turn their dreams into reality.
Phone: 1-617-984-2868
Email: louise@touchpointcoaching.com
Web: http://touchpointcoaching.com
While you're there, register to win a free month of coaching.
