One simple change, one brand new life.

Is it too much to think that one simple change could radically improve your health, your happiness, your relationships?

It is possible. You can do one simple thing that will massively shift your entire life.

Start saying no.

Your boss asks you to do "one more thing" when you haven't got enough time to do what's already assigned? Say no.

Your family wants you to come to an annual event which is riddled with angst and rancor every year, and consistently complained about by everyone? Say no.

A friend wants you to come to a sports event, when you are not even remotely interested in the sport? Say no.

You might think your life will change for the worse as people will be highly annoyed with you. In the short term, maybe. But this isn't about saying no in a hostile way. It's about setting boundaries. Deciding consciously what you're willing to do to, and where you're drawing the line.

With your boss, you can re-frame the question by simply asking what existing project or task you should give up to get the new one done. That's pretty reasonable. Explain that you want to make sure the work is done, and done properly. Who would argue with that?

Some of your family will probably be upset if you don't come to an event. Do you care? Other than a temporary feeling of loss that they're mad, what difference does it actually make? Moreover, why are they even mad?

The bottom line? You have a certain amount of time on this planet of ours to make the life you want for yourself. Start treating that time like gold and stop just giving it away.

Yes, friends and family deserve support, but so do you.

Give yourself an amazing gift. Give yourself permission to say no