How Saying “No” Can Energize Your Quest For Fitness
When I’m working with people who want to reach a higher fitness level, my coaching skills sometimes come into play. What motivates a person to commit themselves to eating differently and/or challenging their body? One possible source of motivation begins when this individual learns where and how to put in the time and how to prioritize his or her actions and daily activities. The resulting understanding can focus energies and improve the efficiency of the person’s efforts. And it can also open up new areas of interest and encourage learning new skills through instruction and other sources of support.
Deliberate planning and prioritizing of your energy expenditure often comes with a greater recognition of what’s most important to you. In other words, it’s a process of digging into the WHY OF IT ALL in a more mindful way.
Obviously, nobody can do everything all the time. There’s power in prioritizing. One useful tool for helping to determine what matters most to you is to frame an action or a wish around this sentence:
“When you say no to one thing, you say yes to something else. “
Here are some examples:
- SAYING NO to eating junk foods would mean SAYING YES to less financial stress and blood sugar issues.
- SAYING NO to smoking could mean SAYING YES to dating different people, saving money, and breathing better.
- SAYING NO to binge-watching TV means saying YES to more workout time during the day.
So if you have been wanting a new look, or feel, or accomplishment regarding your health, just take a moment and ask yourself “what am I saying No to?” when faced with a decision. That pause to reflect could allow you to move toward real changes for yourself.
Denise’s
2 Cents:
Here are 10 ways to help you express your “No”:
- “Unfortunately, I have too much to do today. I can help you another time.”
- “I’m flattered by your offer, but no thank you.”
- “That sounds fun, but I have a lot going on at home.”
- “I’m not comfortable doing that task. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
- “Now isn’t a good time for me. I’ll let you know if my schedule frees up.”
- “Sorry, I have already committed to something else. I hope you understand.”
- “No, I won’t be able to fit that into my schedule this week.”
- “I would love to join you, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with work right now.”
- “Thank you for thinking of me, but I do not wish to accept your offer.”
- Or the big winner: “No, thank you,”
Not all of these NOs are particularly forward-looking. But at least half of them are quite reasonable and should easily get you to YES. You’ll free up time you hadn’t realized was available to you before.