The Power Of No
Aaron Baer
Providing Practical Legal Advice to Clients | Partner at Renno & Co | Co-Founder at 4L Academy | Founder of The Authentic Legal Professional | SMB M&A | Tech | Crypto/Blockchain | Neurodiversity Stuff
“No” and “Yes” are not opposites.
They are the two sides of the same coin.
Saying “no” feels restrictive. Rude. Some people say they feel guilty when saying no.
“Yes” feels more freeing. Less disappointing somehow.
This is a false dichotomy.
What matters is what you say “yes” to. Do you know what that is?
Once you figure out what your “yes” includes, the “no” takes care of itself.
Saying “no” then is not about closing doors. Restriction. Disappointing others. Guilt.
Saying “no” becomes a tool through which you can say yes to the things that really matter.
Today, say yes to what matters, and no to what doesn’t. Without guilt, remorse, rudeness, or any form of restriction.
Remember, if it’s not a “hell yeah!”, it’s a “no”.
[Aaron's comment: Another great post from Dhawal, and it's something I'm actively working on. There's a sticky note on the wall right next to my computer (which I added after our article a few weeks ago) that says 'say no to most things'.
Apparently that opportunity cost concept they taught me about in first year economics was actually useful!]
In-house Counsel | Data | Privacy | Technology | Erie Insurance
2yHard agree.
Nurturing a new generation of legal writers. Legal Writing Coach. Pre-Law Advisor. Career Consultant. Amazon Bestselling Author, “Dear 1L: Notes to Nurture a New Legal Writer.” Big Law Alum. Law Mom.
2yI love this sentiment. I have similar index cards with sayings of the same sentiment, up on my cork board.
Corporate Counsel, Data Privacy at Caterpillar Inc. | FIP, CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, CISSP
2yGreat post, Aaron! like your concept of the sticky note - I have one that says, “what’s the opportunity cost?”
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2yI wish I had said no more often than yes to things that didn't work for me. I'm glad for this reminder.