The Right Now Test

Success is more often determined, not by the things we do but by the things we decide not to do.

I was recently I introduced to a wonderful
Framework for saying no more effectively:

There is a behavioral phenomenon & cognitive bias known as the ‘Yes-­Damn Effect’ wherein
we systematically overestimate the amount of free time we will have in the future, so we say yes to future things under the assumption that we will have more time for them, but when that future date arrives, we regret it.

We say, “Yes,” and then the future date arrives, and we say, “Damn, why did I agree to that?”

The ‘Right Now Test’ is an approach to fight back and say no more effectively:
When deciding whether to take on a new commitment, ask yourself, “Would I do this right now?”

Think of right now as today or tomorrow.
The aim is to eliminate the future time distortions observed by psychologists; by pulling the event into the present, you make a more clear, rational decision.

If the answer is no, say no.
If the answer is yes, take it on.

Next time you find yourself overcommitted and regretting taking on too much, give the ‘Right Now Test’ a try.

Saying no is a major life hack, learn to do it more effectively & stay blessed forever.