The Power of Saying “No”—and Why It Might Be the Best Thing You Do for Your Business
Today’s post is short, sweet, and packed with a powerful mindset shift about two tiny words:
NO
and
YES
They’re simple words—but they shape every part of your life and business.
Let’s talk about it.
Listen here:
Every “No” Is Actually a “Yes,” and Every “Yes” Is Actually a “No”
I was listening to a podcast recently, and the host said something that hit me like a bolt of lightning:
Every time you say no to something, you’re saying yes to something else.
And every time you say yes, you’re saying no to something else.
It sounds obvious… but think about what that actually means in your day-to-day life.
When you say yes to:
- answering every message instantly
- working late every single night
- doing all the household things yourself
- binge-watching a show every evening
- snoozing your alarm
You are saying no to:
- deeper rest
- your morning routine
- your business growth
- your self-care
- your goals
- your peace
Let that sink in.
We often think our lack of progress is a motivation issue, a “not enough time” issue, or a circumstance issue. But 90% of the time?
It’s a yes/no issue.
A New Month = A New Opportunity to Get Honest With Your Yes’s and No’s
If you’re reading this in real time, it’s the beginning of August—a perfect time to check in:
- What have you been saying “yes” to automatically?
- What have you been saying “no” to without realizing it?
- Are those choices aligned with the woman you’re becoming?
Let’s take a few examples:
Example 1: Hitting Snooze
When I hit snooze (which I’m very guilty of!), I’m saying:
- YES to a few more minutes of sleep
- NO to my morning workout
- NO to my gratitude practice
- NO to starting my day grounded instead of rushed
And that impacts my energy all day.
Example 2: Watching Netflix Every Night
Saying yes to TV means:
- NO to working your business
- NO to stronger connections with prospects
- NO to reading or personal development
- NO to earlier bedtime
And listen—Netflix isn’t bad. We need decompression time. But is it the priority every night? Or is it a habit stealing time from your goals?
A Small Example with a Big Lesson
The podcast I listened to used an example I loved: teaching your child to tie their shoes.
If it takes you 2 minutes to tie their shoes every day, that’s 730+ minutes a year—over 12 hours.
But if you teach them to do it themselves?
You said:
- NO to doing everything for them
- YES to their future independence
- YES to getting 12 hours of your life back
Small changes can create massive results.
Same with your business.
Why We Say Yes When We Don’t Want To
This is where it gets deeper.
Sometimes, our “yes” isn’t about the task at all. It’s about:
- fear of being judged
- fear of disappointing someone
- fear of missing out (hi, it’s me 🙋🏻♀️)
- unresolved childhood wounds
- wanting to feel included
- wanting to feel needed
Example: I used to get hurt when friends didn’t invite me somewhere. That came from childhood experiences around acceptance and belonging.
So I said “yes” to everything… even when it drained me.
But here’s the truth:
Saying yes doesn’t make you more lovable.
Saying no doesn’t make you selfish.
Saying yes to everything makes you burnt out.
Saying no is a form of self respect.
Your Yes/No Filter for the Month Ahead
When something new comes into your world—a request, an opportunity, a distraction—ask yourself:
✨ Does this align with the life I’m building?
✨ Is this a HECK YES, or just a habitual yes?
✨ Does this support my values, goals, or energy?
✨ What am I saying NO to if I say yes to this?
✨ What am I saying YES to if I say no to this?
If it’s not a HECK YES, it’s a HECK NO.
Give yourself permission to choose.
You Don’t Have to Do it All to Be Enough
You don’t have to be involved in every:
- committee
- event
- fundraiser
- group
- training
- opportunity
- social gathering
You get to protect:
- your peace
- your time
- your business
- your energy
- your mental health
- your goals
This is YOUR life.
YOUR business.
YOUR schedule.
YOUR story.
Write it on purpose.
Tell Me: What Are You Saying YES To This Month? What Are You Saying NO To?
I hope this gave you the nudge you needed, the clarity you didn’t know you were missing, or at least a moment of reflection about where your time and energy are going.
If this resonated with you:
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It helps so much—and I love cheering YOU on too!
Here’s to powerful yes’s, strong no’s, and building a life you absolutely love. 💛
