The most powerful word an athlete can use.

When I was a young hockey player I very rarely missed out on a good time. I made sure that I attended any "fun"-ction, party or gathering.

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) didn’t exist because I made sure that I present at all the parties.

I prioritized fun. What a mistake that was!

There was a word I wished I knew back then, that I would encourage any young athlete with a dream of playing at the highest level learn.

That word is … NO!

I learned the hard way that one of the hardest things to do in life is say “NO”. But it's one of the best things you can do for your future you.

Even today I catch myself trying to meet as many obligations, requests, and events that I can without defining a boundary. But I've learned that my only true obligation is to my own health and mindfulness.

This can also apply to time consuming emotions: anger, fear, excitement, distraction, obsession.

None of them seems like much on their own, just like the "one party I went to wasn’t such a big deal", and just like being “pissed off” because of (fill in the blank).

But when you find yourself overwhelmed it’s usually these impositions that will consume your life.

If you want to take back time and feel less busy or overwhelmed, start by learning the power of “NO!” – as in;

· “No thank you.”

· “No, I’m not going to get caught up in that.”

· “No, I just can’t right now.”

· “No, that’s not the best thing for me at this time.”

You may hurt some feelings and it may drive some people away but the more you say “NO” to the things that don’t matter, the more you can say “YES” to the things that do!