How Things Will Change When You Start Saying “NO”
Since the last year, I have set out a few rules and created a list of things that I say “no” to, so that I can more frequently focus on my life and on the things that mattered to me. That brought a crazy amount of change in my life. I have created this comprehensive list of things which I say no to, I am sure you will be able to relate at least a few things, to start taking your life back into your hands.
Personality
1. Comparing to others
Earlier I always used to compare myself with others and feel negative about myself. I would always feel people are doing better than me in their lives where I am subjected to failing constantly. I never focused on the good things I could accomplish. And then I started working on building my own self-awareness and self-reflection thinking of me as an old self, complete with her. I started writing a journal on good things that I did every single day which helped me track my personal wins.
2. Negative self talk
Seek improvement and be positive do not seek loathing. Be attentive to the way you talk to yourself. Intentional self-criticism is good but don’t make it a habit. Don’t make yourself feel that you are good for nothing. Observe yourself and notice your feelings. Give time to your thoughts and the things that you want to achieve.
3. Procrastination
Find your “why”, find enjoyment in things you do, find what your goals are, and start working towards it. You don’t find motivation, find yourself an accountable partner, in my case, she was a therapist.
Productivity
4. Stopped reading things I did not enjoy
I started with a book and stopped it if I did not like it in the next 30 minutes.
5. Prioritizing Tasks
Started maintaining a diary with a to-do list that was a regular reflection of my priorities, I made sure that the to-do list had everything that was useful.
6. Responding to messages and notifications
Turned off notifications from my phone, specified a fixed time for using my phone. I started switching off my phone before sleeping and made sure that I did not start checking the phone the moment I woke up.
“Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we’re too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone.”
— Steven Spielberg
Relationship
7. Toxicity
I was caught up in a very energy draining relationship moved away from that, which in turn made me learn to spend more time with myself. Relationships have to be mutual, okay?
“Know the difference between those who stay to feed the soil and those who come to grab the fruit.”
So, be a giver and at the same time, say “yes” to givers. Spend more time with people who share your values.
8. Listening to complaints about others
Listening to gossips are very dangerous, there is a Turkish proverb that says, “Who gossips to you will gossip of you.” So, start spending time with productive and positive people. I joined a few online groups, with like-minded individuals, a few poetry clubs, and book clubs.
Environment
9. Clutter
Try to have a clean workspace as it helps in supporting your better self, making you more productive.
10. Poor sleeping conditions
Taking rest is equally important as waking up and doing a task.
