The Award for Saying “No”

I recently attended an awards ceremony with some coworkers. As the host rattled off all the achievements of the award recipients – career, parenting, volunteering, church involvement, chair and member of various boards, alongside various other activities and accomplishments – wow! I realized:

“I will NEVER receive an award like this.”

Maybe you think I’m just not ambitious enough, but no really, I won’t receive that award. It’s not that I can’t, per se. But all of the commitments, throwing oneself wholeheartedly into leading so many initiatives….I never was one for multi-tasking 🙂

I applaud those who go full-throttle in many directions and make the world a better place for it. But some people need to hear that it’s okay to have more focus, more quiet, more single-minded devotion to one thing. This post is for those who make the world a better place at a quieter, slower pace. You don’t have to do it all.

I wish there was an award for saying “no” to one more good task that needs doing, but not by you. Being wholly committed to your one or two things – that takes guts and leadership and trust. That deserves an award. If you’re neglecting something you should commit to, try saying “yes.” But if your schedule is so full you can’t wholly commit to what you need to do, start saying “no.” Prioritize. What is really important? Make that happen.

And since we don’t necessarily get an award all the time, maybe award yourself this certificate 🙂 Here’s to being committed to being you, to growing into whoever you are made to be, whatever that looks like to you.

• Access your own free certificate here: Award for Saying No