What exactly is a “difficult-no”?
A “difficult-no” is something you’re holding onto that you now wish to let go. You have a sneaking suspicion that this thing/task/relationship/role/identity no longer serves you, but for whatever reason, you still hold onto it.
Perhaps it’s the need to be seen as a calm and organized mother.
Perhaps it’s the need to work in a certain hospital, in a certain city, in a certain career path.
Perhaps it’s the size of your house.
Or a job title that pads your CV (but that you no longer want).
Perhaps it’s staying in a relationship for the kids (when your heart tells you to leave).
In order to have a great life, you can’t ignore the “difficult-no.” The things in this quadrant are draining you of time, energy, and joy. There is almost no way you can find your way out of burnout until you do the difficult work of handling the “difficult-no.”
But once you do, you can feel more free to invite the joy into your days.
Next week, I’ll explain how to approach the “difficult-no” but for now…
Question: “what goes into your difficult-no list?”
