I’m not taking Tim’s 21-Day Happiness Challenge.
Why?
Is it because I don’t want to be happy? No.
Do I fear tarnishing my image as Company Curmudgeon? Of course not. (Get off my lawn!)
Am I ticked off at Tim? Daily. But that has nothing to do with my unwillingness to participate.
So why am I not joining the 21-Day Happiness Challenge?
I know I won’t finish it.
I simply have too much on my plate. If I attempted to tackle this challenge, I’d come out of the the gate strong, but after a few days, life would get in the way and I’d inevitably fall off for good – which would lead to feelings of failure and depression. And, well, depression is kinda the opposite of happiness.
So I said no.
Now, please don’t misinterpret my logic. I’m not saying it’s bad to challenge yourself. I’m not saying you shouldn’t strive for happiness. The 21-Day Happiness Challenge is a fantastic plan that’s already impacting the lives of many people.
I’m simply saying that, sometimes, happiness comes from saying no.
No helps me focus on the most important things in my life.
No reduces stress, improves health, and helps me sleep better at night.
No prevents the things I enjoy from turning into obligations that I detest.
No can also offend some people. That’s the risk I choose to take. I’ve learned to say,
I can either say no and disappoint you now or say yes and disappoint you later. Which do you prefer?
Sure, it’s easy to say no to the things you don’t enjoy. The true test is turning down the stuff you really want to do but can’t due to a lack of time, money, stamina, and/or resources.
I’ve learned from experience, though, that you’ll be so much more miserable saying yes if you know in your heart you should say no.
And that’s why I’m not taking the 21-Day Happiness Challenge.
But, hey, you can. If you want to.
Or don’t. That’s cool, too.
photo credit: snigl3t via photopincc
Ryan, thanks for writing what I was thinking. I said no for the very same reason, and mostly because I am a chronic “yesser.” While I fear I miss out, I realize that I’ve already said yes to too many things that would make this an impossible task to complete and put stress on the projects and activities that I’ve already committed to. I always appreciate a reminder and permission to say no and feel good about it. Thanks!
Glad I could help, Bill. I’m a recovering Yesser myself.
Ryan, I recently learned that a no response is a salesperson’s second favourite word. Congrats to have enough courage to say it.
My kids have told me maybes are for babies. They’re looking for a commitment either way.
Any good idea is only as good as the execution and the willingness to commit to the idea.
Good for you to recognize your level of commitment at the outset.
“Maybes are for Babies” – That’s my new favorite motto. Thanks, Rick!
I’ve said “NO” to the 21-day and #100happydays challenge because I want to be happy every day. That’s what we should all strive for, right?!
What Ashly said. 🙂