029: Say No Like Otto von Bismarck

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to every opportunity that comes our way.

We often believe that the more we do, the more successful we'll become.

However, as Otto von Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor of Germany, taught us, sometimes the best thing we can do is say no.

Bismarck was known for his political cunning and strategic mind. He was a master at playing the long game and knew when to make bold moves and when to hold back.

However, even someone as powerful as Bismarck had to learn the hard way that saying yes to everything can have disastrous consequences.

One day, Bismarck received a letter from his king, Wilhelm II, asking him to resign from his position as Chancellor. Wilhelm had grown tired of Bismarck's independent streak and wanted to assert his own authority.

Bismarck was initially shocked and hurt, but he quickly realized that this was an opportunity to leave on his own terms.

Bismarck wrote back to Wilhelm, accepting his request to resign. He then proceeded to announce his resignation to the German parliament, in a dramatic speech that became known as his "Farewell Address."

In this speech, Bismarck reflected on his accomplishments and the challenges he had faced as Chancellor. He also gave some sage advice to his fellow politicians, saying, "Politics is not an exact science, but an art. The art of the possible."

Bismarck's decision to resign was a masterstroke. By leaving on his own terms, he preserved his legacy and reputation. He also set an example for future leaders, showing them that sometimes the best thing to do is to say no.

In the end, Bismarck chose to stay true to himself and his values. He submitted his resignation to Wilhelm, telling him that he would not be bullied or intimidated into leaving his post.

Bismarck's decision to resign was a testament to his strength of character and his unwavering commitment to his principles. He knew that sometimes saying no was the best way to stay true to yourself and your values, even when it meant walking away from something you had worked so hard to achieve.

As startup founders, we can learn a lot from Bismarck's example. We need to be willing to set boundaries, say no to distractions and requests that don't align with our goals, and stay true to our values and principles, even when it's difficult.

In a world that's constantly pulling us in different directions, the power of saying no can be a game-changer. So, let's take a page out of Bismarck's book and learn to say no with confidence and conviction.

As founders, we're often tempted to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way, whether it's a new client, a new partnership, or a new hire.

However, saying yes to everything can lead to burnout, overwhelm, and a loss of focus. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is say no and stay true to our vision and goals.

Of course, saying no isn't always easy.

We worry about offending people, missing out on opportunities, or being seen as uncooperative. However, if we can learn to say no in a gracious and respectful way, we can reap the benefits of a more focused and intentional approach to our work.

So, as you go about your day today, remember Otto von Bismarck and his "Farewell Address." Think about the opportunities that come your way and ask yourself, "Is this in line with my vision and goals? Is this something I really want to do?" 

If the answer is no, don't be afraid to say it. You might just find that saying no is the best thing you can do for your startup.

Saying NO is as much physical, as it is mental. The more energized & physically fit you are, the more confident & resilient you will be to outside forces & to say NO

Create a daily routine that includes physical movement and stretching. 

This habit is inspired by Bismarck's commitment to physical exercise, as it can help remote founders stay healthy and energized while working from home.

Working from home can be sedentary, and many remote founders struggle to find time to exercise or move their bodies during the day. However, taking a few minutes each day to stretch and move can have significant benefits for both physical and mental health.

Here's an easy routine that remote founders can incorporate into their daily schedules:

1. Start the day with a few simple stretches. Spend five minutes stretching your arms, legs, neck, and back to help wake up your body and prepare for the day ahead.

2. Take a break every hour to stand up and move around. This can be as simple as walking around your workspace, doing a few jumping jacks, or taking a quick yoga break.

3. Schedule a daily exercise break. Whether it's a quick run around the block, a yoga class, or a workout video, make sure to set aside time each day for more intensive physical activity.

By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can boost your energy, improve your focus, and stay healthy and productive as a remote founder.

Closing Thoughts

The story of Otto von Bismarck teaches us that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to say 'no.'

By setting boundaries, we can focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout, even in the face of intense pressure and expectations.

As remote founders, we have the unique opportunity to design our own work environment and routines, but this also comes with the responsibility of being intentional about our habits and boundaries.

So, I challenge you to reflect on your own work habits and ask yourself: Are there any small, but powerful changes you can make to prioritize your well-being and productivity?

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