About the Book
SAY YES TO NO is a pushback against the pressures of today's world - a world that puts us constantly on call. Cootsona was a pastor at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, living a non-stop, round the clock life caring for his congregation, raising two daughters, and nurturing his marriage when life issued a wake up call. The illusion of being able to juggle it all was shattered for Cootsona at a cardiac clinic in Manhattan where the then 38 year old was told to slow down - or else.

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Cootsona's close brush with serious health issues forced him to carefully consider how to balance his life's goals, his growing family obligations, and his most important relationships. Struggling to make it somehow all work, Cootsona discovered may be the most important life strategy that a busy executive or leader will ever find. He discovered that he making choices, saying no to some things and yes to others, allowed him to live a life that was full of meaning, but not scheduled every second. Armed with this new insight, Cootsona felt compelled to share his discover in SAY YES TO NO so that others too might find their lives more within their own grasp, no matter their profession or station in life. "This book describes the lessons I've learned," says Cootsona. "I've consulted scores of people about the principles in this book: dot com CEOs, investment bankers, business consultants, stay-at-home parents, artists and students. All at one time or another wrestle with the issues the book addresses."
    "If you feel overwhelmed and overcommitted, Say Yes to No will help you shake up your priorities on the job and at home. Greg Cootsona shows how finding the proper balance of work and rest - "the rhythm of No' - can lead to a more relaxed and rewarding life. In our busy, busy world, everyone needs to read this book."
    - Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Leading at a Higher Level
    "In Say Yes to No, Greg weaves together so much collective wisdom, personal expertise and experience, and faith--and with wit and warm good humor that is so obviously road-tested. Plus, his voice is absolutely winning and fluid. It's such a pleasure to read."
    - Todd Dorman, Novelist and Editor
    "I keep a copy in my car, my office and by my bedside to inspire the positive priority setting, need for a weekly 'sabbath' to unplug and recharge, and saying yes to joy, great friendships, good health and living with integrity. Give yourself a profound gift and say, YES to NO!"- Angela McConnell, Silicon Valley Nonprofit Leader
    Book Review by Diana Page Jordan | Diana's Blog
     The minister addresses all this technology -- email, TV, iPods. Distractions, all.
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    Book Review by The Buzz | Dan Barnett
    Saying no, with grace and conviction, doesn't make one a negative person, but one who has the freedom to be "on the right road."
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    CNBC Guest Blog | Greg Cootsona
    Sometimes the best lessons - the ones you need to remember - happen at age 10.
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    USA Weekend Yes Man | Greg Cootsona
    Jim Carrey's comedy about positive thinking gets a "maybe" from the guy who wrote the book on saying no.
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Cootsona deftly uses the analogy of Michelangelo's sculpting for how we should pursue a well-lived life. He suggests we chip away all the peripheral noise, intrusions, unnecessary distractions and yes-even limiting technology's hold on us- to find balance in every aspect of our lives-friendships, families, work, community. He specifically offers insight using "no" to craft better friendships, personal relationships, and enjoying our families more.

All Say Yes To No Quotes

In SAY YES TO NO Cootsona addresses:
  • The difficulty of saying yes to NO in a world that we're always tethered to
  • What we miss by not saying yes to NO
  • The folly of saying yes to pursuing wealth as an end in itself
  • Creeping technology intrusions
  • The need for rest
This book will force everyone racing through life to consider not only the cost of their pace, but also what it would take to create time for the things that will give their lives true purpose. Publisher's Weekly says "the author's personal experience, unique presentation and eagerness serve to animate tried and true ideas." SAY YES TO NO will be a helpful guide for anyone trying to navigate the modern world and still have time for the things that matter most.

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