Learn to say NO

The only man who is really free'
is the one who can turn down an invitation to dinner,
without giving an excuse.-- Jules Renard

It may sound strange, but one of the most positive things one can do, is to say "No" when necessary. The ability to say "No" is directly proportional to your confidence in yourself and your belief in what you are doing.

You must be able to say "No" in order to stay focused. There are too many distractions that come along, too many people vying for your time. If you don't learn to say "No", you get spread too thin. Of course you don't want to miss any big opportunities, but neither can you be all things to all people.

You can have anything you want, but you can't have everything you want. You can't be a doctor and a lawyer and a scientist and an engineer and an airline pilot. You have to make choices, and that means saying "Yes" to some things and "No" to others.

A sincere, honest "No" shows that you have the courage of your convictions, and that you are committed to staying on track. And what's so hard about it, anyway? It's just a word. Learn to say it, politely and firmly ("No, thank you"), with compassion and conviction, and you'll take control of your own destiny.

-Ralph Marston