Something I’m trying to improve is being deliberate about what I agree to do that could end up distracting from what’s important. After consciously pursuing many new avenues the past few years, it is evident some very fundamental business capabilities aren’t receiving the attention they need. I’ve been thinking about what strategic thinking questions could help me stay more focused.
In the midst of that personal reflection, kick ass business person and cycle instructor, Kate Crockett, posted “2016 – The Year of No” on Facebook. Kate’s strategic thinking questions resonated with me, and I asked her for permission to share them here.
I suspect you will find them valuable as well. Here’s Kate!
2016 - The Year of No by Kate Crockett
I challenge you to make 2016 the YEAR OF NO.
Before you agree to anything, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I want to do this?
We all need to stop doing things we absolutely do not want to do or things that cause us stress and anxiety just because we feel it’s what others want us to do or it is perceived as the “right thing to do.” The right thing to do is to care for yourself so you can care for others when needed.
Will doing this make me feel satisfied?
Kate Crockett and her daughter, Olivia
Would the person asking me to do this do the same for me if I asked?
We all need to stop bending over backwards and going out of our way for people who wouldn’t help us even if it weren’t out of their way.
Would you allow a friend to say “Yes” to whatever it is if you knew they didn’t want to do it or it caused them stress or emotional anxiety to do it?
Why would you treat a friend better than you treat yourself?
Is this time well spent?
We all need to learn to set our boundaries with those in our lives so that we aren’t the ones driven to stress and anxiety while the others in our lives skate around us caring very little that they’ve have put us in an inconvenient situation.
All of us are extremely talented, caring, generous, loving and amazing humans who allow those around us to exploit those admirable qualities to their advantage with little care for what it does to us. Spend your time this year on those who support your physical, emotional and mental well-being and lift you up. At the end of the day, it will make us less stressed and happier people for those that really matter to be around. - Kate Crockett
