The Art of the Graceful No
As entrepreneurs, most of us are pretty damn keen to get more done, in less time. We’re always ready for a productivity hack, a tool, resource or FINALLY the PERFECT planner to help us feel like we’re more efficient. Last week we discussed the importance of rewarding the small behaviors we’d like to see ourselves repeat (and replacing that punishing internal dialogue that’s constantly telling us why we don’t deserve rewards or praise if we’re not 100% perfect).
Well if you’re embarking on this journey, which at its core is really about self-love, I expect you’ll find quite quickly, that one of the most difficult parts of the cycle I outlined last week - is actually setting boundaries and properly taking care of yourself. Putting our own needs first, for most of us, is the most difficult, backwards thing we could possibly do. It feels selfish. It feels uncomfortable. We worry about asking for what we want and need and what others will think when we do. The absolutely pinnacle of all of these boundary-setting and self-care, is the moment when you actually learn to say NO.
Now, let’s be honest, saying no to yourself can be as hard or harder than saying no to others, but the idea here, is learning easily access and use a graceful no.
This is an incredibly important milestone in your journey as a business owner, leader, employer, and happy human. The graceful no isn’t just about saying no, either, it’s also about speaking up for what you want or need, instead of staying silent. It’s about honoring your needs, even when it is awkward.
I want to tell you a little story about a recent situation that really challenged me in the graceful no department…
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