Killing Time or Fulfilling TIme

The difference in killing time or fulfilling time is mostly attitudinal.  And one of the best ways to ensure we spend fulfilling time is by saying yes consciously, rather than merely because there is open space on our calendars.  We fulfill time when we are engaged in activities or thoughts that:

• bring us joy
• provide new skills or knowledge
• are good for our mental, physical or relationship health
• create memories
• make us laugh
• give us a sense of accomplishment
• exercise our creativity
• advance a project important to us
• work through troubling issues
• evoke gratitude
• make a difference

Here's to millions of hours of fulfilling time!

Trust Your Gut

I love to be able to say yes, help people, positively position Sterling Bank and solve problems. I always have more on my plate each week than most reasonable people would undertake in a month.  I finally reached my limit last week.  I was asked to be a fill-in panelist for a national conference.  My heart and mind said, "yes" because I love making presentations, knew it would be great publicity for Sterling, and would have enjoyed reconnecting with former colleagues.  I had lovely encouragement from Edgar to participate.  But my gut said, "no", because I already had an overflowing agenda, the topic would have required hours of preparation, and the travel time wasn't insignificant. Though I agonized over my answer, as soon as I decided to say no and delivered the message, I instantly knew that I'd made the right decision. My stress level decreased and I was able to successfully address several important priorities.  And, I didn't burn a bridge, as the conference organizer indicated an interest in having me for a future event. 

As this example indicates, when we make the right decision, for the right reasons, we aren't necessarily eliminating future opportunities to say yes.

"No" is a Complete Sentence

So many of my very accomplished friends are stressed by requests to do one more important thing. One of my breakthrough moments is still very vibrant to me. I'd just pulled into my driveway and answered a cell call from a passionate volunteer friend asking me to join her Board of Directors. The friend was committed and the cause was important. When I conscientiously told her that I could not commit to one more activity, she graciously thanked me. The world did not end, the friendship remained intact and I felt a sense of relief. This was a beginning for me in many respects.

I learned that boundaries can be enforced without sacrificing friendships or priorities. I learned that effectively delivering a correct "no" serves everyone well. I learned that I could use this experience to coach others.

I have ongoing opportunities to remind overcommitted associates that "no" is a complete sentence.

Are you saying "no" when you should?