31 Days
Day 3

The Power of Saying "No"

Volume 10

When you're asked to do something, go somewhere or help out, what is your default answer? If you're like most people, it's something like, "sure thing" or "you've got it" or just a simple "yes." And why not? It's good to feel wanted or to be needed—especially when it comes to your job. And saying "yes" to things supports collaboration and risk-taking. But here's the ugly truth: you've got to be a little stingy with your time.

Because time is the raw material of creation and contentment. You need those minutes and hours if you want to find solutions to problems or become an expert at something through study and practice or merely have the time to relax and recharge your batteries. You need to be as frugal with your time as you are with your money. Would you give twenty bucks to everyone who came by or emailed you asking for it? As Austin Kleon astutely puts in his book, Show Your Work, "Be as generous as you can, but selfish enough to get your work done."

Renowned management guru Peter Drucker was once asked to collaborate on a book about creativity. He famously responded: "One of the secrets of productivity is to have a very big waste paper basket to take care of all invitations such as yours—productivity in my experience consists of not doing anything that helps the work of other people but to spend all one's time on the work the Good Lord has fitted one to do, and to do well."

Of course, being on the receiving end of a "no" can be disheartening, but saying "yes" to everything can have brutal consequences. It's only going to make you more stressed out. It can also make others value your time less. Especially when you're starting out, it's easy to want to get involved in everything and show your willingness to learn. But if you overextend yourself, you'll find that the quality of your work suffers, your ability to learn gets sapped and you're left with little to no time for yourself (and the things you truly care about).

Be firm and decisive with your refusals and the reward is more time to focus on your work, off-duty passions and loved ones. You're also likely to gain respect for your candor. Of course, it's easier said than done, but here are a few tips that may help.

How to Say "No"

Don't stall.
Tell the person you can't do it, and politely decline right away. That way you don't drag out your discomfort or hold up the other person's plans.

Be honest.
Tell them why you don't think this is right for you. Or just explain that you have other commitments and can't make it.

Ask for a raincheck (when applicable). There are times when you'd really like to do what is being asked of you, but simply don't have the time right then. Offer up a plan for the future, in order to show good faith.

Volume 10   //   2018

31 Days is back ... And 2018 marks its tenth iteration. When we started this a decade ago, we never imagined that these daily guides to being better men would take off and become one of Valet.'s most popular series of all time. So thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. This year, we're focusing on productivity—ways in which you can streamline and improve your days to make your job less stressful, your work more efficient and your life run just a bit more smoothly. It's time to raise your game.

  • 1
    Get a Jump Start
    on Your Day
  • 2
    Slow Day?
    Energize!
  • 3
    The Power of
    Saying "No"
  • 4
    Faster Haircut =
    Better Haircut
  • 5
    Casey Neistat on
    Productivity
  • 6
    Weatherproof
    Your Sneakers
  • 7
    Save Money
    Traveling
  • 8
    Work
    Slower
  • 9
    Stay in
    Shape
  • 10
    The "Good Day"
    Drug
  • 11
    Get Bumped ...
    for Good
  • 12
    Tim Ferriss on
    Doing It All
  • 13
    Essential
    Style Hacks
  • 14
    Get a
    Raise
  • 15
    Get
    Shit Done
  • 16
    A Successful
    Morning
  • 17
    Change
    Your Focus
  • 18
    Streamline
    Your Grooming
  • 19
    Jeff Bezos on
    Making Decisions
  • 20
    Fixing a
    Bad Haircut
  • 21
    Learn a
    New Hobby
  • 22
    Dress for
    Success
  • 23
    Success at
    Any Age
  • 24
    Sell
    Yourself
  • 25
    Get Out of
    a Meeting
  • 26
    Jay-Z on the
    Keys to Success
  • 27
    Bad Breath
    Hacks
  • 28
    Master Your
    Credit Cards
  • 29
    Productivity
    Myths
  • 30
    The First
    5 Minutes
  • 31
    Be Better at
    Flirting