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Subject: I’m not available
Imagine a world…
Where people don’t expect you to say “yes”…
Where “no” is an encouraged response…
Where you’re allowed to do what you want with your time…
(I hope you read that in a husky movie trailer voice.)
Last week, I spent 2 days in a virtual retreat with my mastermind group. It was jam packed with speakers, valuable lessons, and great conversations.
But the nugget that stuck with me?
An off-the-cuff quote from our honest AF leader Laura Belgray.
“My three favorite words are I’m not available.”
I am familiar with this particular collection of words… and the derivatives “no thank you”, “I’m not interested”, “can’t, sorry”, “maybe next time”, etc. etc.
And yet…
As I paused to reflect on my color-coded Google Calendar for the coming week, I noticed (with dread) that I’m doing lots of things I really don’t want to be doing.
The pull is strong to sulk in victim mode — why does this keep happening to me?!
But we both know the truth.
I’m doing this to myself.
In the spirit of transparency, here’s an inventory of my schedule for the week:
Things I wish I were NOT doing this week
- Review meetings with my staff
- Phone interview with a potential new hire
- 10 therapy sessions (I was down to 8/week but people were struggling and I felt bad)
- Setting my alarm for 6am
- Planning to work on Saturday (ashamed to admit this one)
Things I’m happy and excited to be doing this week
- Working with my coaching clients
- Recording interviews for my upcoming virtual summit (more on that soon!)
- Writing you this email
- Coordinating with a recruiter to find a full time Practice Manager for The Center
- Practicing the piano (I’m taking weekly lessons for fun)
Things I wish I were doing this week
- Setting my alarm for 7:30am
- Dedicating one hour each morning to exercise, free write, and/or meditate
- Scheduling a don’t-interrupt-me writing day (this is what I have to do on Saturday)
- Protecting time for business development (i.e. time for me to read, watch trainings, brainstorm, be creative)
I could do the things I want to do if I were fully committed to the “I’m not available” lifestyle.
There will be times when “I’m not available” is enough. You can walk away. No harm, no foul.
Other times, “I’m not available” must be followed by “I will hire someone to do this for me”.
My situation is definitely a mixture of both.
I’m planning on doing this exercise every Monday until I become a “I’m not available” master.
What about you?
How would your week be different if you approached your schedule with the “I’m not available” mindset?
If you want to do this exercise with me, copy/paste the outline below and hit reply to share your answers.
Things I wish I were NOT doing this week
Things I’m happy and excited to be doing this week
Things I wish I were doing this week
Can’t wait to hear from you,
Maegan
