"No" is a favorite word of my daughter's...in fact, she's using it as I write this to try and weasel out of teeth brushing and pajama wearing. So what happens between 3 and 30 that makes it so darned hard for us to say no?
The only person who hears "No" from me on a regular basis is my daughter, as in "No, you can't have cookies for breakfast," and "No, you cannot jump on the couch with a lollipop in your mouth." (We're really strict around our house.)
But for my clients, there's never a no to be heard. Need a quick revise on that story...today? Of course! Want that report turned around before noon? Certainly! Can I write three stories by Wednesday (while still meeting the aforementioned deadlines for my other clients)? I'll make it happen. Which leads to the predicament I'm currently in...where all work and no play makes me a very cranky person to be around.
It's great financially...we're on track to have our finances in tip-top shape when our second child comes home. It's great for business, because I've become an indispensable part of my clients' plans. But eventually, I'm going to have to say no. And I haven't been able to figure out who to say no to...or how to do it. If only it were as easy as my daughter makes it look.
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