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Why Saying “No” More Often Is the Key to Doing More

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Quick Spin:

• Why your obsession with saying “yes” is holding you back
• The hidden cost of overcommitting
• Two must-use scripts to reclaim your time and focus

♟️ MY TURN:

Most ambitious people struggle with the same problem.

They think they have a time problem.

But what they really have is a prioritization problem.

Most of us don’t need another productivity hack. We don’t need to optimize our workflow or squeeze more into our calendar.

What we need is clarity on what actually moves the needle—and the courage to protect it.

Successful people don’t have more time than you. They just protect it ruthlessly.

My friend Jenny Wood, a former Google exec, calls this being “Brutal” about your time.

Jenny didn’t drive billions in revenue by saying yes to every meeting, answering emails at lightning speed, or letting others set her priorities.

She did it by getting brutal about her time.

Brutal doesn’t mean rude.

It means being clear, direct, and unapologetic about where your time goes.

Because if you don’t start protecting your time, no one else will.

(Note: Jenny talks about this in her book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It.

Inside, she uncovers the 9 so-called “bad” traits that high achievers use to stand out, take control, and move ahead—Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Obsessed, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy. Get your copy here.)

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♟️ YOUR TURN:

For all the recovering people pleasers like me, here are 2 easy steps to start being a little more brutal.....

Step 1: Stop Saying Yes to the Wrong Things

Most of us already know what we should be focused on. The problem is, we let less important work hijack our attention.

Before you agree to anything, ask yourself:

- Does this directly move me toward my number one goal this quarter?
- Would future me be grateful I said yes to this?
- Am I saying yes just because I feel guilty?

Saying yes to the wrong things is the fastest way to stall your success.

High performers don’t just work hard.

They say “no” to distractions ten times faster than everyone else.

Step 2: Set Brutal Boundaries Without Apologizing

Want to stop drowning in obligations? Start protecting your time like your life depends on it.

Here’s 3 scripts you can steal:

#1: The “Revisit Later” Response

When you want to leave the door open, but now isn’t the time.

#2: The “Not a Fit” Response

For requests that don’t align with your goals.

#3: The “Redirect” Response

When you want to help, but not personally.

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♟️ LET’S WIN TOGETHER:

Want to set better priorities, say no with confidence, and build a career (and life) on your terms?

In her new book Wild Courage, Jenny Wood breaks down the 9 traits you need to stop waiting and start moving:

• Weird – Win as you or lose as “who?”
• Selfish – Be your own champion.
• Shameless – Kick impostor syndrome to the curb and self-promote with ease.
• Obsessed – Push, persist, and perform at your highest level.
• Nosy – Get curious to network confidently and learn from others.
• Manipulative – Build influence with empathy and manage up like a pro.
• Brutal – Draw lines and stick to them. Embrace the power of no.
• Reckless – Err on the side of action and take healthy risks.
• Bossy – Steer others to success, even if you’re not in charge yet.

If you’re tired of overcommitting, over-explaining, and letting other people set your priorities, this book is for you.

Grab a copy here.

What’s One Thing You’re Saying No to This Month?

Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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