Why and How to Say No

Episode #5 of the course “How to make better decisions with the Matrix” by Kari Beaulieu

 

How many times have you worked on something only to realize later on that it:

1. Didn’t deserve your attention?

2. Didn’t align with your goals?

3. Wasn’t critical to company or personal success?

We’ve all been there (I mean, I’ve been there less, because I use Eisenhower, but that’s why I’m here).

 

 

Think back to the Matrix

Items that you should say “no” to fall under the “Not Critical and Not Urgent” category. Separating your tasks using the Eisenhower grid is the easiest way to identify them.

So go ahead, write down everything you want to work on today.

Now, split a piece of paper into four sections—you know what to label them—and divide your tasks.

Toss out everything under “Not Critical and Not Urgent.” I hope that didn’t just give you an anxiety attack. If it did, remind yourself that you just saved 30+ minutes that would have been wasted on unnecessary work.

Now you have time to hit the gym tonight and start working on those summer abs….

If You’re Having a Hard Time

Here’s a list of different ways you can say no in languages from around the globe.

• Não – Portuguese
• Nein – German
• Nee – Dutch
• Ei – Finnish
• Aon – Irish
• Nu – Roman
• Nej – Swedish
• Dim – Welsh
• Hakuna – Swahili
• Akukho – Zulu
• Ora – Javanese

 

 

Recommended book

“The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done” by Peter F. Drucker

 

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