Saying NO, Because You've Already Said Yes To Something Better! by DL Larson

Each of us decide at one time or another what we want to do in life, and we take the steps to hack out our existence with our primary goal before us. If you've chosen to be a writer, then you've started down a path riddled with commitment.

Time and energy are needed to fulfill such a goal. Often that means saying no to something else important. It's time to break the myth that we can be everything to everyone. It's time to take the busy out of our day. It's time to refocus on the goal set to become a writer. If we don't make writing a priority, no one else will either.

During this Lenten season, my church is viewing a set of films made by Rob Bell, a minister and all-around energetic man with a passion, a purpose to spread thought provoking ideas to wake folks up, mostly to put God back in ones life. His concepts reach every age level and leave the viewers with the idea, "why didn't I think of that before?" He offered the best example, let me share it with you.

The human man, Jesus Christ, had a goal and he didn't stray from that goal. He had to reach Jerusalem. He had a date with the Almighty, to meet death head-on, and then to open the road to salvation for mankind. Whether you are Christian or not, one has to admire his determination. He stopped at many towns on his journey, he performed miracles, healed the sick, and fed thousands. Folks wanted him to stay, but he said no. Even Christ knew he could not be everything to everyone! He kept his eye on his main purpose. He took the needed steps to reach his goal.

Once we realize we don't have to be all things, life gets a little easier, we don't have to say yes to every idea, every project that crosses our path. We can be selective, we need to be selective. Our time is precious and our energy limited. Saying no to the PTA, or to the next fundraiser will not destroy your life. Quite the opposite will happen. Being involved is wonderful, I know, but taking on a project you are not committed to becomes a burden, and by saying no, that burden might become someone else's goal.

Staying focused is simple with a little practice. Put your priority first. That's it. That's where your energy lives and thrives. If you go there first, it's amazing how much you can accomplish. Sharing your commitment and priority with your family frees you up. My kids learned to appreciate my writing time. And now all these years later, each of my grown children have shared with me how proud they are that I took the time to do what I wanted to do. They learned from my example. There was no guilt for staying on task to meet my goal. They understood the commitment I had made.

It's okay to say no, because you have said yes to something better. It's your time, your energy, your choice! Dare to be selective. You might discover life is much more enjoyable, and so is your writing time!

Til next time ~

DL Larson