We live in fast times that show no sign of slowing down. Success and ambition may be partially determined by the load of work somebody takes on, but today, the power of saying "no" is becoming just as critical.
Peter Bregman, a writer for Harvard Business Review, says it's difficult to say "no" because there is always a chance "that next piece of information will be the key to our success." Rather, Mr. Bregman says today's success "hinges on the opposite: on our willingness to risk missing some information." If we try to take it all on, we become exhausted, irritable and clumsy.
Mr. Bregman recommends leaders create two lists to stay focused, prioritized and deliberate.
List 1: The Focus List. When creating this list, ask yourself questions such as "What am I trying to achieve? What makes me happy? What's important to me?" Then structure your time around those things.
List 2: The Ignore List. Few people make this list, but it is crucial in determining what should demand your time and attention. To come up with this, ask yourself questions like, "What are you willing not to achieve? What doesn't make you happy? What gets in the way? What's not important to you?"
Don't make these lists once and then put them in a drawer, says Mr. Bregman. Instead, review them each morning with your calendar and "find the courage to follow through, make choices and maybe disappoint a few people."
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Peter Bregman, a writer for Harvard Business Review, says it's difficult to say "no" because there is always a chance "that next piece of information will be the key to our success." Rather, Mr. Bregman says today's success "hinges on the opposite: on our willingness to risk missing some information." If we try to take it all on, we become exhausted, irritable and clumsy.
Mr. Bregman recommends leaders create two lists to stay focused, prioritized and deliberate.
List 1: The Focus List. When creating this list, ask yourself questions such as "What am I trying to achieve? What makes me happy? What's important to me?" Then structure your time around those things.
List 2: The Ignore List. Few people make this list, but it is crucial in determining what should demand your time and attention. To come up with this, ask yourself questions like, "What are you willing not to achieve? What doesn't make you happy? What gets in the way? What's not important to you?"
Don't make these lists once and then put them in a drawer, says Mr. Bregman. Instead, review them each morning with your calendar and "find the courage to follow through, make choices and maybe disappoint a few people."
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