the 'no' practice
Saying no gets a bad rep. So pick a day, and say no to everything but one effort.
Believe it or not, you can get bad reactions to this idea. The reasoning can sound selfish when said. This implication creates need for apt presentation and justification of your drive.
What meaningful work is life distracting you from? What could you do to create space for that work? Given the space for it, would that meaningful work replace work that distracts from it and matters less?
These were the questions running through my head when I decided to say 'no' every Tuesday and devote the whole day to writing- a passion I wanted to follow unhindered. The things I say 'no' to include, email, meetings, entertainment and other work- writing is my work on Tuesday.
Saying no does not mean I "Tom Sawyer" my work. Saying no means I intentionally plan to say no.
As a student, I am blessed to be able to craft a schedule with one work day devoted to non-obligatory work. I relegate homework to other days as the worthwhile tradeoff for unhindered Tuesday focus.
Ultimately, I want writing to be my career (a fact I'm realizing more and more as I commit to the 'no' practice). This practice enables me to pursue the practice in my life that I want to the most. It could do the same for you...
read // skyscrapers