It is a magical word. “Yes” is magical. It opens up possibilities and moves us forward.
No can be as scary as “no”.
It’s the “no” of saying, “I won’t do that.” It’s the refusal to go down the rabbit hole, the refusal to be selfish, and the refusal to give in to instincts or shortcuts which rob others of their dignity and potential. It is this no that sets our standards.
Zig’s phrase “I need to focus on a meaningful particular, not a generality” meant that we can use the strength of specialization and focus when we are willing to do what is important, rather than just pleasing the person in front of us.
We honor the work we do and their contribution to it when we say “no”. We care about them enough to give them insights about the changes we want to make, and to tell the truth about our limitations at the same moment we celebrate what we are able to do.
To say no, you must be brave and caring enough to speak the truth.
