Like a good daughter

I wasn't sure how Warren Buffett was going to finish this sentence... "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to..."

I hate to say this, but I blame my mom for this confusion. She did not believe that "really successful people say no to almost everything." Instead, she said yes to everything, and like a good daughter, I followed her advice and modeling. Years of hurt, exhaustion, and resentment ensued.

Do I get a lot accomplished? Yes. Are those accomplishments prioritized? Well, not really. I'm learning to say no, even to good things asked by good people. I want fewer to-dos and more meaningful experiences. I want to be as proud of the things I DON'T do as I am of the things I DO. Frankly, that shift is a tall order after 53 years of valuing work-work-work, but it's a worthy one.

P.S. I believe this day working for Habitat for Humanity with a group of women was an example of a good to-do and a meaningful experience. If there's any question, just look at how fabulously dirty I am!