Leadership & Life Balance
How do I say no to a night out before a competition?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Decide in advance, not on the night. Mark your performance windows first, then match each invitation to them. A late night inside a performance window is a no.
The answer
- Mark your performance windows in your calendar first: the time before a competition, a tough training session or an important exam.
- Rate each invitation as low-cost (recharges you, like a coffee or a quiet film night), medium-cost (a team dinner or family meal) or high-cost (a late night, a loud event).
- Never put a high-cost event inside a performance window. Be careful with medium-cost ones.
- Say no clearly, not "maybe". For example: "Thanks for the invite. I can't make it that night because of Saturday's game, but I'd love to catch up next week."
- This week, find one invitation you have said "maybe" to, decide, and send the message.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms