Finding it tough to say no

International nature conservation is a hugely exciting area to work in. It’s creative, innovative, full of enthusiastic and dedicated people, and impactful. However, it’s also very busy. There are many, many opportunities and always another invitation to another hugely important and interesting event in another part of the world that, from a personal point of view, would be exciting to visit. And it is super hard to say ‘no’.

However, since reading Cal Newport’s book Deep Work I have been focusing on what I need to do and ruthlessly prioritising my goals and objectives. In other words, I’ve been saying ‘no’ to anything that isn’t helping me achieve my goals and objectives. It’s hard but effective. I am so much more productive and I am surprising myself at what I’ve been able to achieve. Trumping all of this though is that it’s less stressful than saying ‘yes’. I have work-life balance (remember that?!) AND achieving more. What’s not to love?!

So, this week - we challenge you to carefully think through what are your absolute priorities this week and say ‘no’ to anything that doesn’t help you towards those.