A life-changing approach to managing your time and setting your priorities

The secret to success is hidden in what you say no to—and you should say no more than you say yes.

That was one of the thought-provoking messages shared by internationally recognized sales trainer Joe Pici when he spoke at the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Conference.

Pici says you should ask yourself these five questions every day:

  1. What do you want?
  2. When do you want it?
  3. Why do you want it?
  4. What are you willing to do (within the lines of integrity) to get it?
  5. What are you not willing to do (within the lines of integrity) to get it?

The answers to these questions are what Pici calls non-negotiables. They’re not open to discussion or modification, and they should guide everything you do.

When you create your plan, whether it’s for the day, the month, or the year, it needs to line up with your answers to those five questions. Every step needs to move you closer to what you want—don’t go sideways and definitely don’t back up.

Pici offered this analogy: If you’re in a boat with anchors dropped over the side, the boat can’t move. To get effective motion, you have to cut the anchors.

Anything that’s not in alignment with the answers to the five questions is an anchor. When you’re asked to do something that will stop you from moving in the direction you want, say no. And do it without guilt.

Use these five questions as you develop your overall business plan, for specific project management, and even for your personal life plan. But most important, Pici says, is to ask them every day and keep the answers at top of mind as you plan your day and set your priorities.

Try it and see how quickly your life changes for the better.

Click here to learn more about Joe Pici and his training and coaching services.

Related: “No” is a complete sentence

Jacquelyn Lynn
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