The Power Of Saying “No”

Jul 2, 2012 by Janette

 

 

How Often Do You say “Yes” When You Really Want To Say “No”?

 

I wanted to ask you that question today because one thing that crops up time and time again with my clients is the feeling that they have to be all things to all people, they commit to doing things they don’t really want to do, eat things they don’t really want to eat, buy things they don’t really need (or want), all because they are afraid that by saying “No” they are going to upset someone.

There is such a lot of power to the word “No”, two simple letters that can give us back control, yet here we are, afraid to use them.

One of my friends has a 3 year old son.  When his Mum asks him if he’s like a glass of milk he’ll just reply “No” without any hesitation.  If he doesn’t want to go to the park he will just say “No” – no hesitation, no guilt and no worrying he’ll upset anyone.  He knows what he wants and because at his age he isn’t aware of any different, he doesn’t worry that by saying “No” he might hurt his Mum’s feelings.  he is just being true to himself.

Saying “No” can be really quite liberating but because we live in a “Yes” world it can also be a difficult thing to do; especially for us adults.

As consumers, everywhere we turn, “Yes” is the easiest answer.  “Would you like to supersize your burger for only 50p more madam”?  “Would you like to have those shoes today but not pay for them for 6 months”? “If I do this for you will you do so and so for me”? Everywhere you turn there are obstacles put in your way that make saying “No” really quite challenging.

So today I challenge you to practice saying “No”.

 

Try to stand up for yourself and say “no”. When you are tempted by the offer to go large or buy something that really serves no purpose in your life, say “no”.   When you are invited to a function that happens on a work night and you know it will leave you feeling lousy the next day if you go, say “No”.  When your Mum wants you to have a piece of cake and you really aren’t hungry, say “No”. When you’re being mistreated, either by your own actions or by the actions of others, say ‘no’.  Just say “No”.

“No”  two simple letters that could change your life – try the power of  “No” today