This Single Word Will Give You Back Your Life

One of the hardest things to do in life is to say “No.”

To invitations, to requests, to obligations, to the stuff that everyone else is doing. All of us regularly say yes unthinkingly, or out of vague attraction, or out of greed or vanity, or out of fear of disappointing a friend or acquaintance. Because we can’t say no—because we might miss out on something if we did. We think “yes” will let us accomplish more, will give us more of what we want, when in reality it prevents exactly what we seek. All of us waste precious life doing things we don’t like, to prove ourselves to people we don’t respect, and to get things we don’t want.

You can only hand so many hours of your day over to other people before there is none left. Even if there are some left, you may have lost the clarity, the energy and the capacity to do anything with them. So, next time someone is asking for just a little of your time, or you feel the pressures of minor social obligations, or the temptations of potential financial gain—remind yourself of this advice from the Stoics.

#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​

[Tzippi]

I said, “no” to taking on more work because they are working me to death. When it was time for merit pay, I did not get a dime because I said “no.” So, I’m pulling a Ryan, and I’m quitting that job, moving to a small town, and starting at a place that values my personal time, and not treat me as a research slug. Thank you, Ryan! Living is paramount!

[aaronison]

Sadly I discovered Stoicism later in life and since then I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease at age 50.The consequences of this have been enormous. However by studying Stoicism and the works of the great Stoic philosophers, I am moving forward. Thank you to everyone at the Daily Stoic for your help in interpreting these ideas. In my case the obstacle really has become the way.

[georgiafrancis]

"NO" has always been my favorite word.

[franklinhopkinsjr]

I finished Ryan’s book on Ego and now I am reading his book on Courage. At 61 to live the life I dream of, I need to up my courage. Thank you Ryan for your contribution to my life. And for teaching me to be more aware of my fleeting time…

[marygrogan]

Thank you. Glad I found you a while back.

[larskoch]

Good on you. I'm many years older than you. I'm inspired. I was a Philosophy major. I loved the Stoics in high school. I lost may way, somewhat. I'm inspired by your YouTube channel, I struggle to re-connect. I don't know why. Somewhere between jaded and hopeful I am.

[heczrivz]

God led me to stoicism and it changed my life. I no longer suffer when those lows in life happen. I see everything differently and it led me to feel peace and in control in every situation that gets in my way. What stands in the way becomes the way!

[ceeemm]

Saying "no" is only a problem when you feel a debt is owed to you. Saying "yes" 'unconditionally" will not cause resentment. Saying "no" is only half of life. Learning to accept "no" from someone else is the other.

[StoicEvolution]

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." - Epictetus

[philparisi]

So timely and on point for me. I have a dog care/hike/walking business. 20 years in April. I still have 5 clients that I obtained 20 years ago (we are all on our 3rd dog together). I now operate solely on client referrals and yet I am still overwhelmed with the amount of work. I recently had to stop working in an area and had to separate from a number of clients in a certain location. I had a near nervous breakdown and felt immense sadness at leaving these dogs behind ( I really love most of the dogs!). It will make everything much more possible now without going insane, but so hard to let them go. I feel a real sadness out of it. I have to get better or more comfortable with saying no.

[McAdamsMechanics]

Talking about "no" Ive found on my journey through stoicism is that if youre blunt and honest with people, they may get that shock value but at the end of that moment they will respect you more and listen to you more. You have taken the role of authority even if that is not your primary.

In my other job I have to make life or death decisions in the medical field and in medicine some people can really beat around the bush. Finding stoicism, I am direct and blunt because feelings have no room in an emergent situation where the wring decision could cost someone their life or seriously put someone at a disposition. I work with a lot of bush-beaters (focus.. focus!) And Ive found my direct honesty and bluntness has really excelled the quality of care and respect that enters the situatuon.

[iloveyellow]

This video made me evaluate my current situation in life.

Goodness, it made me evaluate people. People worth spending time to and people who arent.

But then again, as someone said, "if it doesnt hurt? You're not progressing enough"

Thank you for sharing this

[SamoaBeast]

Robert Greene talked about you in his book Daily Laws. Currently reading it now. Thought it was cool. I was like “I know that guy Ryan Holiday”. Thanks for your support with Robert. That was cool.

[basilnapak]

Stoicism to the 🌕, daily inspirational meditation of living a life of temperance, resilience inspired by Marcus Aurelius. I didn't understand stoicism one year ago, i remember last year i had watch a documentary of the rise and fall of Roman Empire and it really lays a foundation of me venturing to know more about Roman empire, its social institutions and philosophy, luckily enough i just met Ryan holiday in sportify and straight forward subscribed to his podcast and in each of his daily meditation he will always mention Marcus and Seneca, and i connected those 2 philosopers that i had just seen them in a documentary, stoicism is a life teaching and long lasting treasure to grasp. Mob love Ryan Holiday from East Africa.

[Stormbrise]

Forwarding this to my niece, there are some things here that will reinforce her decision to remove toxic people from her life. Especially, not responding/replying.

[elflakeador]

To be honest I've don't have a problem saying No. The older I get I couldn't care less what people think .

[FolkBoyify]

I knew exactly what word you meant, because it is the hardest word to say for some people at times, especially me❤

[brandenvs]

Always a privilage hearing from you, thank you for the video.

[therichbuddha]

Read a book in college that first introduced this concept to me, called, When I Say No, I Feel Guilty.

[JohanFitFoodie]

Saying no and protecting your time definitely becomes key once people start wanting your attention, prioritization is the foundation! 🌄