No-how

Today’s fragmented ADHD society is tough for those who still want to concentrate. Opportunities there, disturbance here. E-mail overflow, Facebook updates, even good old phone calls every now and then, all proposing and demanding. Just a little bit of your time, sir.

I am having trouble contemplating today. So this blog entry is about the most important skill in business management – in fact, life management in general: Saying No.

To be able to do the right thing you have to rule out so many other things.

So what should you do, when you are asked to participate in one more concall where you are on mute and listen with one ear while you (try to) do other things? Would it be possible to click Decline?

What to do next time when the Big Customer calls and demands a new complex update to your product which you think is lean and easy to use as it is? How about No?

When the local Rotary club calls the tenth time and wants you to come and give a presentation in their meeting. Try No.

This is difficult, I know, but it is crucial if you want to save time, money and energy for the things you really need to do. Or rather: the things you really want to do.

So let’s train a little. Say after me: No. Sorry, I can’t do that. No, I really can’t. Very interesting, but I am afraid I have to say No. No, I won’t be able to participate this time.

No. No. Absolutely not. No. No. Never ever. Nope.

This skill would be needed on so many occasions these days that I should probably write a book about it. I’m just afraid I don’t have the time. There are so many other things going on right now...