In its most simple form, I think it comes down to this;
Say “no” now, so you can say “yes” later.
I meet people on a daily basis that tell me they feel 10+ years older than they are.
That’s really sad.
I’m 44, and feel better than ever. Because while I give and give to my family, friends and businesses, I don’t do it at an expense to my own health.
If I take care of myself, the more I can give to my family, friends and businesses.
There’s lots of things I want to eat (cookies and cake), drink (beer and wine) and do (binge watch Netflix, sleep, hobbies, gamble, etc); and I do all of those things.
However,
If I say “yes” to everything I want to eat/drink/do; at the same time, I’m saying “no” exercise, eating healthy, spending time with family, investing in myself. All of these things are investments in myself, my life.
I’m not here to tell you that you can’t spend the afternoon on your boat, drinking beers without a care in the world. Or that you shouldn’t relax and binge season 4 of Ozarks.
I know what you may be thinking…”I only get one life, and I want to enjoy it all”. “Life is short, play hard”.
If you’re not where you want to be physically, emotionally, financially….that’s a cop-out. An excuse.
If your friends are making it difficult for you to make good choices now, to enjoy the future; you should re-evaluate who you spend your time with.
Being able to say “no” now, so you can say “yes” later; is not downplaying that we never know when our time is up. Instead, most unhealthy and unhappy people say “yes” when it’s easy, and “no” when it’s hard.
Spend some time evaluating your own decisions. What are you saying “yes” and “no” to; and at what cost to your health, your family and your legacy.