The Performance Doctor: The Magic Word That Opens More Opportunities.

Happy FRIDAY !

I’ve come to the conclusion that at some point (in the near future) there will be three segment for the Performance Doctor newsletter.

Let me know what you think:

Tuesday’s: PRO10- a short mental exercise to develop your business mindset

Friday’s: The Clinical Coach - an in-depth review of Orthopedic and Sport Related conditions and their conservative management

Saturday’s: The Performance Doctor - a deep dive into business, financial education, and development for entrepreneurs and small healthcare business owners.

Seriously, I’d love to hear your input.

For the time being, I’ll still alternate Friday’s between the Clinical Coach and the Performance Doctor.

Onto today’s topic.

The ONE WORD that will open more opportunities than anything else.

Can you guess what that is?

No?

C’mon, don’t give up that easy.

Give it another try!

No?

You are absolutely correct!

NO

That’s the word!

You are probably thinking… what the hell?

How is “no” going to open up more opportunities for me?

My whole life I grew up hearing “take every opportunity you can.”

Literally I’ve gotten to where I am by NEVER saying no.

Yet, I am here telling you to say it.

There’s a reason for that.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve never said “no” to a new opportunity.

Want to come work for us? Yes.
Want to come help us with this dinner? Yes.
Want to create this presentation? Yes.
Want to assist with this lecture? Yes.
Want to take on this new responsibility you won’t get paid more for? Yes.

I became a yes man.

Is there anything wrong with that?

Five years ago, I would’ve said no, there’s nothing wrong with being a “yes man.”

But there is, and here is why:

You become undervalued.

Say yes too many times, and people will come to you expecting a yes.

They know you’ll say yes to anything they ask.

And just like that…

Your time.
Your input.
Your knowledge.
Your experience.
No longer matter — they’ll know you’ll say yes.

That happened to me. I don’t want it to happen to you.

No, is a very powerful word.

So powerful that it can send a child into a hysterical tantrum.

But you are not a child. So let’s talk about why “no” is such a powerful word.

When you say “no.” You are saying much more than you think.

You are standing your ground. You are respecting your education, your experience, your work ethic, your values, and most of all your vision for yourself.

When you say “no.” You are not telling the other person you are too good for it.

You are telling them, there are certain values, and standards you won’t compromise on.

This is especially true in business and networking relationships.

I’ve come to learn this over the last 10 years, the hard way. I’ve said yes to everything that’s basically come my way. Specially when I first started coaching.

I didn’t think too much about saying no when I first started fresh out of undergrad. I just wanted the opportunity to get reps in. I just wanted to improve my coaching and develop myself as a coach. So I took every opportunity.

I can understand if you are in the same situation.

I’m not saying you should be going about telling people no, just because.

There has to be a reason.

Your “no” has to be based on your identity. Your core values. Your core traits.

Throwing around no’s all day long will just make you a “no man”

People won’t come to you.

Your no’s have to be grounded on your set standards.

Things started to change when I began telling people “No”

Can you meet Tuesday? No, that date doesn’t work for me.

Can you help me with a stretching program? No, sorry that’s not my area of expertise. You can reach out to X

Will you do this for me? No. I am on a tight schedule and I don’t have additional time to add that on my plate

Things have changed.

People respect not only my time, but my expertise.

It took me a long time to learn to say no.

It all started when I finally wrote down my core values, and set the standards of where I would put my energy.

If you didn’t read Tuesday’s PRO10 segment catch up on it here.

Start saying no to the tasks disguised as opportunities that don’t align with your values, standards and goals.

Don’t take long. Future you will thank you.

Until next time!

Dr Kauffman