The biggest time management challenge is ensuring that you take control of your
own time. It is possible to do this. Your other major challenge is identifying and
focusing on what’s important, rather than on busy work.
Saying “NO” to the Unimportant: When and how?
We don’t need more ideas about how to hurry up and do things faster. Saying “yes”
to every request is not only a major time-waster but it can eventually lead to burnout.
Learning to say “no” to requests that don’t fit our priorities, or are not part of our job, sets up boundaries, frees up time for the real priorities and brings a rare, strong
feeling of satisfaction.
Being assertive takes ‘will’ power and ‘won’t’ power. It involves overcoming our fear
of anger, feelings of guilt and compulsive people pleasing. Being strong during hard
moments is a key test for us, leading to defining moments in our lives.
- A clear and compelling vision and sense of priorities must come first. It’s
easier to say “no” when there is a burning “yes” inside.
- As well as your Absolute Yes List, make an Absolute No List.
- Then ask: Does this request benefit learning and students?
- Decide if it can be deleted, deferred, or slowed down
- A group can collectively say “NO” as well as an individual.