Choose to Take the Journey

Time and money is on everyone’s lips, and if you’re not paying attention, you’ll soon find yourself with neither time on your hands nor money in your pocket. Fortunately, there is a powerful tool that can protect these scarcest of resources. This tool will neither take up any of your time nor cost you any money to acquire. It is free and instantly available to anyone who has the courage to wield it. This tool is nothing more and nothing less than the ability to say “No.”

Let’s start with time.

As far as friends are concerned, the difficulty in saying “No” often stems from a fear of offending them or becoming isolated from your social circle at large. Remember though that these are your friends. Provided you explain why you are not able to make it somewhere, they will not hold it against you. If you can, offer an alternative time when you will be available. Show them your desire to connect even if your plate is already full at the moment. Conversely, if you are not really that great of friends with them, all the more reason to politely decline their invitation. Your time is precious, so limit how much of it you spend on your more casual relationships.

As for your boss, the challenge in saying “No” may be related to a fear of losing opportunities for a raise or a promotion. This is a fair concern, however you must always keep in mind your value to the company. An employer needs employees and the more indispensable you make yourself, the more you can negotiate accordingly. If you are already doing more than is required of your job, it is always permissable to gently turn down a request, whether it be from a superior or a senior coworker.

Let’s talk about money!

A major drain to many people’s bank accounts comes from medical expenses. No more than 2 months ago, I had gone to the dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning. The dentist advised on an additional procedure that I agreed to only after negotiating a price of $25 out-of-pocket. A month later, I received a bill from their office in the amount of $945!! I was as furious as I was horrified. I went back to the dental office and refused to leave until they zeroed out my account balance and provided a receipt.

Another considerable financial burden comes in the form of pushy salesmen. Everything from expensive cable TV packages to the latest and greatest vacuum cleaner. If you don’t need it, find the will to say “No.” Be generous with your loved ones, not strangers. Scrimp on trifles, so that you may spend on essentials that boost your happiness and well-being.

We all have to get by with only 24 hours in a day. And sooner or later, we will have to deal with avaricious money sharks seeking to fatten themselves at our expense. But with one simple word, you can safeguard both your time and your money–not just for your friends and loved ones, but especially for yourself.