Time To Say Yes
By
Deborah Gavrin Frangquist
Do
you want to have more time in your life? Do you want time for
the people and things that matter most to you? Do you want
time to enjoy yourself? If you do, you must learn to say
“Yes” more often and more firmly!
Your first reaction to this advice is probably I need to learn to
say “No.” I can’t possibly agree to one more thing!
Most of us spend much more energy trying to say “No” than we do
saying “Yes.” And we are often pretty wishy-washy with
both “Yes” and “No.” No, I don’t think I can get
that report done by 6:00....drive you to the mall....save the world.
Yes, I guess I can find time to get that report done by
6:00....drive you to the mall....save the world.
To have and enjoy more time, start by finding the parts of your life
where you say a firm “Yes.” Look for the things you really want
to do, the commitments you really want to make. You will find
that you must be specific. Listen to the difference between
saying, “I want more time to think” and saying, “I want twenty
minutes of planning time every day.” Which one starts you
thinking about specific steps you can take to have the time you
need?
As you learn to say “Yes,” it will become easier to say
“No.” You will make decisions based on what you know you
want and need in your life. Focusing your energy on saying
“Yes” will clarify your choices and free you to say “No”
with equal firmness.
Here are some practical steps you can take to focus your energy on
what you want and need:
Turn down the sound. Turn off the radio in the car, the
kitchen, or the bathroom. Jog without your portable tape
player. Choose one evening a week to leave the television off.
Notice what it feels like when you can hear yourself think.
Listen to what you say about time. Instead of talking about
“spending” or “wasting” time, try “taking my time” about
something you value and “sharing time” with someone you care
about.
Claim some quiet time as you start and end your day. As little
as three minutes of reflection, prayer, or stretching exercises will
rejuvenate your spirit and increase your physical energy.
Include sabbath time, rest time, time for family and friends in your
plans. Dignify these important plans by including them in your
calendar and treating them as solid commitments.
Remember that this page is not a “To Do” list. Try out
some suggestions, experiment to find what enriches your life, and
claim the abundance in your choices.
[note:
Deborah Gavrin Frangquist is a Life Purpose & Career Consultant
and an active member of SAW’s Working Team. Deborah gives
presentations, workshops and seminars designed to help people learn
what they want and how to say “yes” to it. She’s also
available for private consultation and can be reached at workpath@ix.netcom.com,
by phone at 415-642-0225 or by fax at 415-642-0232] |
