The Power of No: Owning Your Time is a Superpower

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The Power of No: Owning Your Time is a Superpower

My spicy take on a subject so important that we have an entire module dedicated to it in ALL my development courses in Amplifi at FacilisGroup. So... of course...hearing this session on Meet Us in the Kitchen had me FIRED UP! (A more than likely occurrence if you put me in a real kitchen.)

As a professional best friend, I get it—sometimes, it’s easier said than done.

Most people don’t realize: your ability to say no is one of the most powerful tools you have. If you’re not using it, you’re letting mediocrity—and sometimes negativity—or worst of all selfishness creep into your life, sucking up your most valuable asset: your time.


Think about it: the law of averages tells us that not everything is going to be great. If you say yes to everything, you’re inevitably saying yes to something (or someone) that’s going to drain you. And once that happens? It’s a whole lot harder to claw that time and energy back.

The No That Created a Million-Dollar Yes

Denise turned down a million-dollar order. Not because she didn’t want the revenue, but because it didn’t align with her values. That no wasn’t a loss—it was just an opportunity redirected. That same order became someone else’s yes, and for them, it was the perfect fit. Denise didn’t lose; she won by staying true to what mattered to her.  The brand integrity she solidified is invaluable to those that trust her, even hearing her share her experience from her point of view had me cheering on the other team because I’m sure they were thrilled and so grateful to her.  I was grateful to her as an outsider, freaking powerful!!

But let’s bring this down to a smaller scale—because while million-dollar deals make headlines, it’s often the small, everyday decisions that add up to either protect or sabotage your time.

How Not Saying No Leaves You Holding the Bag

Ever had a coworker use you as their personal emotional dumping ground? They sit down, unload their ugh, I need to vent about how Patty from Accounting is fake or Jeff in Sales is too full of himself. You sit there, not really engaging, just listening—because hey, you don’t want to be rude.

They walk away feeling clear-headed, like they just had a free therapy session. You? You’re now carrying the burden of their complaints. You’re distracted, maybe even a little irritated, and worst of all, you let it happen. You didn’t say no, and so their negativity became your problem.

This is what happens when you don’t protect your space. Your no would have left room for something better.

Your Superpower: Eliminating What Doesn’t Serve You

This isn’t just about gossip or negativity—it’s about reclaiming your time in every part of your life. Think about grocery shopping.

You could spend two hours wandering the aisles, annoyed that you even have to be there, grumbling about the lines and the person blocking the cereal section while debating which granola is best. Or—you could delegate that task, whether by ordering online or using a grocery delivery service.

Now, those two hours are yours. Maybe that means putting in extra time on something that will actually grow your business. Maybe it means spending time with your family or taking a breather for yourself. Either way, you just took ownership of your time. And the best part? On the flip side, the person shopping for you gets paid for their work, creating an opportunity for them to use their time in a way that serves them best.

No Isn’t Just a Rejection—It’s an Investment

Saying no isn’t about shutting things down. It’s about choosing what deserves your yes. It’s about taking autonomy over your time and understanding that every yes comes at a cost.

So ask yourself:
• Am I saying yes out of obligation or because it genuinely serves me?
• If I say no to this, what am I making space for instead?
• Is this a task that I need to do, or could someone else benefit from taking it on?

The power of no isn’t just about eliminating the bad—it’s about making room for the great. It’s a superpower most people don’t tap into. But once you do? Game. Changer.

I leave here feeling inspired to tell someone “no”, thankfully I have a teenager so my time should come soon enough.

Cheers Promo Friends

Xo-PROBF