Have you ever been asked to do something that you really didn’t want to do, or be apart of something that you really were not interested in regardless of what it was about? I can remember a time in my life that I would be asked to attend this particular event, or to volunteer for that particular organization, or to join up with this person only because others thought it was a good idea. Some people even felt that by me being apart of whatever it was seemed to be a great fit for me. However, I must admit that some things I gave into because there was a need. Other occasions I said 'yes' because I wanted to, and then there were times that my answer was "I JUST DON’T WANT TO!" For example, recently I had an opportunity for my business to become an independent contractor for one of the largest and well-known women’s business networking organizations in the nation as a Managing Director. And yes, this business venture would expand and grow my business exponentially. Yet, I had to make a decision whether or not this was right for me and my company and more than anything is this what I really wanted to do! The answer was NO!
I have come to a place in my life now that the word “NO” has become my friend. Why? Because I know when I just don’t want to do something, I owe it to myself to value and respect me with that decision. I am very comfortable saying “NO” to things that no longer matter to me, that no longer line up with my values, my beliefs, my vision, my purpose or my destiny. I found out that it is ok to give yourself permission to do the things that you love and are passionate about doing, and that you know are apart of your divine assignment! Saying “Yes” to others will always mean that you are saying "No" to yourself. In other words, you are saying "NO" to what you were created for.
What I also realized is that our time is limited and that it is too important to spend it on doing things that has nothing to with what you and I have been designed to do. So, what are you doing that you know you really don’t want to do? Are you doing things that are just time fillers or time wasters? Are those things getting you closer to fulfilling what you were born to be and do? If the answer is NO, remind yourself of your purpose and stop saying yes to everything and everybody and begin to say “YES” to yourself and live it out loud today!
REFLECTION: Don’t be afraid to go after what you really want especially if you know it is what God intended for you to have. Take inventory of your life and begin to take steps towards your very best life! Remember, "No" is an answer too!
SUCCESS ACTION: Free yourself from obligations or guilt that has been holding you back. Silent all the voices and opinions of others that has kept you from finding your true place in the world and that you know is right for you and learn to listen to the one voice that matters…God’s Voice. He will never lead you astray. His Word states “My sheep knows my voice and no other will he/she follow” (John 10:4-5).