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I was obsessed with being liked and hated the idea of letting anyone down.

The downside to this behavior was a packed schedule full of activities I didn’t really care about.

The next thing you know, I was “that guy” on a board/committee/etc. who wasn’t contributing anything meaningful.

Eventually, I discovered a magical word that changed the way I approached new opportunities… no.

I started declining requests and refocusing my energy on projects that gave me more joy.

Take 5 minutes and look at your commitments over the next few weeks.

Is there anything you regret adding to your schedule?

Remember this feeling the next time you’re asked to volunteer for something that doesn’t support your interests.

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—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

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