Is Coach Training Right for You? Read our New Guide for Potential Coaches!

Saying “Yes” = Saying “No”

Consider this:  Every time you say “yes” to something, you are saying “no,” to something else.

For example:

“Yes; I will finish the project today” = “No; I won’t be home on time for dinner.”

“Yes, let’s buy that house” = “No; we won’t be going to Hawaii this year.”

Some of the yes/no relationships are obvious, but others are less so.  The idea is to learn to be conscious when you say “yes” and ask yourself, “what will I have to give up in order to do this?”  There will always be something you have to give up.  When you find what you have to give up, this will enable you to say “yes” (or “no”) more intelligently.

Think of it like an ecosystem.  We have learned that a pesticide introduced in one part of the system (plants) affects humans and animals in other parts of the system.  We know that if even a very small insect becomes extinct, it can affect the viability of other species not even in direct contact with that insect.

Begin to see all of your life as a system.  Notice where actions or decisions in one area affect the other areas.  Then think about this before you say, “yes.”

__________

If you like this blog, click here and sign up for our newsletter where major blogs are delivered to your inbox every 6 – 8 weeks:  https://mclarencoaching.com/contact-us/newsletter-sign-up/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About the Author

Picture of Cami McLaren

Cami McLaren

is the owner of McLaren Coaching. She has been coaching professionals and leaders since early 2008. She runs Transformative Coaching Essentials, a coach training program that produces first rate Professional Coaches and "Coach-Style Leaders." She coaches individually and works with organizations to improve communication, time management, productivity and ultimately bring greater results.

Get Our Newsletter
Recent Posts

Coach Highlight – DJ Stipe

Coach and musician DJ blends creativity, coaching, and conscious action to help clients move past internal roadblocks and live in fuller alignment with who they are.

Read More

Shining a Light on Our Sponsors

Our sponsors don’t just support the TCE program—they expand access, fuel transformation, and reflect the values of coaching: presence, partnership, and purpose. Meet the businesses and individuals making it all possible.

Read More

Coach Highlight – Jamie Lee

Jamie is a transformational guide and space-holder whose coaching invites deep healing, reclamation, and purpose. Her work is rooted in truth, intuition, and the courage to wake up and live fully.

Read More

Introducing TCE 2026 Guest Coaches’ Lineup

From musicians to mental health professionals, the 2026 Transformative Coaching Essentials guest faculty brings unmatched depth, diversity, and inspiration. Meet the coaches who will walk beside the next cohort of students.

Read More

Share this Post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email