Key to Simplicity - The Word 'No'

Once our lives start feeling overwhelmed, we put a lot of time and energy into the process of simplifying. Wouldn't it be easier to not fill it up in the first place? Learn the value of the word 'No'!. Some things to say 'No Thanks' to include (but are definitely not limited to!): APPOINTMENTS One of my clients recently told me he wrote the word NO in large letters and then highlighted it on every page of his planner. It served as a constant reminder to question why he was scheduling something and made sure only the appointments that made sense for him made it in the book. NON-ESSENTIAL PURCHASES At least twice. If you are in the store and say no twice (two separate visits), but find you still want it, go ahead and buy it with a free conscience. It's probably not something you're going to want to get rid of in 3 months. GET-TOGETHERS WITH FRIENDS IF THE TIME OR ENERGY DOESN'T WORK FOR YOU Their time is precious, but so is yours. Giving in when someone 'insists' normally puts a strain on the relationship. And the more often you do it, the bigger the strain. Say yes when it feels right, and respect their right to say No to you. ANYTHING TO WHICH YES WASN'T YOUR FIRST ANSWER This may be the most important one of all. Sometimes we say no, but others are very persuasive or very persistent and we find ourselves saying 'Yes' for a whole bunch of reasons that have nothing to do with the topic at hand. Sometimes it's because a 'no' feels like a rejection of the person asking, instead of the thing they're asking. The possessions or responsibilities we come into this way are guaranteed to oppress us because the guilt that made us accept in the first place makes it almost impossible to unload these things later. This takes practice, but may be one of the best skills you ever develop.