218 - The Power of Saying No

Your Best Year Starts Here! with Nigel Risner and Neil Martin

Welcome back to "Your Best Year Starts Here" with your hosts, Neil and Nigel! In this energising episode, we delve into the transformative journey from exhaustion to exhilaration, illustrating the profound impact of self-care and strategic decision-making on personal and professional performance.

• Recovery and Performance: Nigel shares his remarkable turnaround from a state of energy depletion to delivering an outstanding presentation skills day. His experience underscores the critical importance of listening to our bodies and the undeniable connection between well-being and peak performance.
• The Art of Saying No: Discover the liberating power of saying no to good opportunities to make room for great ones. Nigel's personal anecdotes reveal how this practice opened doors to phenomenal opportunities, highlighting the significance of prioritising and making space for what truly matters.
• Time Investment: Neil and Nigel discuss the common challenge of managing time effectively, emphasizing the necessity of declining requests that detract from our primary goals. They offer insights into overcoming the fear of disappointment and the importance of committing fully to chosen endeavours.
• Self-Trust and Reflection: The conversation explores the importance of trusting one's instincts and the value of reflecting on past decisions. By examining where our attention has been most fruitful, we can make informed choices about where to focus our energies moving forward.
• Setting Boundaries: Nigel shares candid examples from his personal and professional life, demonstrating how setting boundaries and asserting oneself can lead to increased self-esteem and respect from others.
• Value vs. Price: A discussion on the delicate balance between the value we provide and the fees we charge. Neil and Nigel encourage listeners to stand firm on their worth and not to undermine their value through discounts, drawing a compelling analogy with the cost of refreshments at conferences.

• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your physical and mental health; it's the foundation of your ability to perform at your best.
• Prioritise Wisely: Learn to say no to opportunities that don't align with your goals or values, freeing you up to pursue what truly excites you.
• Invest Your Time: Treat your time like the precious resource it is. Say no to time-stealers and yes to activities that contribute to your growth and happiness.
• Trust Yourself: Have faith in your instincts and experiences. They are powerful guides in making decisions that serve your best interests.
• Maintain Your Value: Stand by the value you bring. Compromising on your worth not only affects your income but can also diminish the perceived value of your work.