Though uncomfortable, “no” could be one of your best tools for a peaceful life.

Many years ago, I scheduled a meeting with one of my mentors to ask an important favor.

After a few pleasantries, I laid out the case for my appeal telling him that I didn’t need an answer for a few weeks.

Instead, he responded with, “I’d rather tell you no right now and here’s why…”

In the moment, it hurt my feelings. I wondered how he could so quickly dismiss my request with (seemingly) no consideration.

I now look back on that meeting fondly as an important teaching moment.

He was able to say “no” without reservation because he was crystal clear about what’s important in his life.

The clearer our values, the easier it is to tell the truth quickly.