Key to Simplicity - The Word 'No'

Once our lives start feeling overwhelmed, we put a lot of
time and energy into the process of simplifying. Wouldn't
it be easier to not fill it up in the first place? Learn
the value of the word 'No'!. Some things to say 'No
Thanks' to include (but are definitely not limited to!):

APPOINTMENTS

One of my clients recently told me he wrote the word NO in
large letters and then highlighted it on every page of his
planner. It served as a constant reminder to question why
he was scheduling something and made sure only the
appointments that made sense for him made it in the book.

NON-ESSENTIAL PURCHASES

At least twice. If you are in the store and say no twice
(two separate visits), but find you still want it, go ahead
and buy it with a free conscience. It's probably not
something you're going to want to get rid of in 3 months.

GET-TOGETHERS WITH FRIENDS IF THE TIME OR ENERGY DOESN'T
WORK FOR YOU

Their time is precious, but so is yours. Giving in when
someone 'insists' normally puts a strain on the
relationship. And the more often you do it, the bigger the
strain. Say yes when it feels right, and respect their
right to say No to you.

ANYTHING TO WHICH YES WASN'T YOUR FIRST ANSWER

This may be the most important one of all. Sometimes we say
no, but others are very persuasive or very persistent and
we find ourselves saying 'Yes' for a whole bunch of
reasons that have nothing to do with the topic at hand.
Sometimes it's because a 'no' feels like a rejection of
the person asking, instead of the thing they're asking.
The possessions or responsibilities we come into this way
are guaranteed to oppress us because the guilt that made us
accept in the first place makes it almost impossible to
unload these things later. This takes practice, but may be
one of the best skills you ever develop.