Say “No” And Achieve Your Career Goals

The workplace is full of people-pleasers and attention-seekers striving for praise.

Everyone is afraid to say “No” and face the consequences.

But saying “No” is about self-control and self-preservation while saying “Yes” to everything will sabotage your career. 

Learn to say “No” and you will move closer to achieving your career and business goals.

The University of Nottingham published a meta-analysis of 83 studies that showed how increased self-control over destructive, unhealthy, or wasteful activities showed an increase in success in achieving goals as well as protection against ego-depletion.

Achieving your career goals is impossible without protected focus.

Here are 3 ways to stop wasting your time and sabotaging your career success by saying “No”…

1. Say “No” to meaningless tasks.

Beyond the weight lifted when obligation is revoked, saying “No” at work reduces stress and overwhelm, boosts confidence and respect, and increases workplace productivity.

“No” isn’t a weapon ― it’s a tool. It’s a tool to control your time and resources while increasing your emotional intelligence. It opens up room for “YES!” to the things that really matter to your work, that bring you job satisfaction, and that deserve to be priorities in your career.

2. Say “No” to people who drag you down.

Your boss who wants you to work overtime… all the time. Your co-worker who constantly asks you to help with their projects. The office drama queen lurking around the water cooler with the freshest gossip.

These people have got to go. You need to say “No” to your boss ― even if it freaks you out. Your boss will respect you more if you know your value and can set boundaries around your time (and you’ll feel 100x more powerful).

3. Define your non-negotiables.

After you’ve learned how to say “No”, you’re going to have to repeat it.

Be very aware of the people and actions in your life that bring you closer to both your short and long-term goals. Once you’ve become aware of the things that add value, set up non-negotiables in your life, things you will never compromise on, to protect this value.

These non-negotiables keep out bad work habits and toxic people.

Protecting what is important means learning how to say “No” to things that inhibit your progress and steal your focus. One of the ways to get clear on what you want in your career and what you need to say “Yes” to is by looking at the areas of your career where you’re wasting time and start learning to say “No”.

What have you said “No” to in order to protect your focus at work or business? Tell me in a comment below.

I also write for Fast Company and Entrepreneur Magazine:

• The Skills You Need To Grow Your Business
• 10 People Who Will Destroy Your Business
• 5 Benefits Of Being A Misfit Entrepreneur

Check out my book of personal and professional advice, Black Hole Focus: How Intelligent People Create A Powerful Purpose For Their Lives.