059: Saying Yes to Less: The Art of Saying No

The Purpose Focused Advisor

16-11-2023 • 17 mins

The common belief is that saying "yes" to every chance we get is essential, but there's a significant impact in learning to say "no." In this episode, hosts Rob Brown and Phil Calandra discuss the often overlooked power of saying "no," and how it can positively change your life and business.

Many entrepreneurs and business leaders struggle with the urge to accept every opportunity, driven by fear of missing out or in the pursuit of growth. This can lead to taking on too much and to overload, resulting in poor performance.

Saying "no" isn't about permanently turning down opportunities. It's more about recognizing when something isn't right for the moment or when other priorities need your attention.

Mastering the art of saying "no" involves being thoughtful about your choices. It means knowing what's most important, staying focused, and making decisions that align with your long-term objectives. In a culture that often values saying "yes," understanding the strength in saying "no" can be empowering.

In this week's episode, Rob and Phil shed light on the following topics:

  • The Decision Dilemma: Navigating the Challenge of Rejecting ​New Opportunities
  • The Multitasking Myth: Understanding Its Impact on Performance
  • The Cost of 'Yes': How Desperation and Financial Motives Can Backfire
  • Focused Action Plan: Commit to Tackling 2-3 Essential Tasks Effectively

Show Highlights:

  • The difficulty of saying "no" for entrepreneurs and business leaders [01:55]
  • The trap of trying to multitask and its impact on performance [02:49]
  • The consequences of saying "yes" out of desperation or financial goals [07:40]
  • Action Item: Commit to doing 2 to 3 things on your priority list [13:15]


Resources


Quotes

"If you don't say no to clients who don't fit your business, that's going to limit the number of clients who do fit your business." -Phil Calandra


“No doesn't mean it's an activity that we shouldn't engage in, or that we shouldn't put into motion. It means it's not going to become the priority or the focus for this particular sprint or timeframe." -Phil Calandra

"The truth about no is it doesn't have to mean no, not ever. It might just mean no, not now." -Rob Brown

"It's okay to say no to important things. Just don't say no to the most important things that are going to move the needle the most right now." -Rob Brown

"What you don't do determines what you can do." -Tim Ferris


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