The Power of N…O

It’s something which often plagues me. In fact, it’s so pervasive I do not even realize I am battling it until it is too late. It keeps me up at night and creates anxiety in my days. Resentment grows and builds, and builds and ferments against the people to whom I attribute the cause for this angst, when really, blame lies solely with me.

And the solution lies with one simple phrase:

Learn To Say, NO

Beyond being a self- and life-improvement strategy, learning to say ! NO ! is a skill that is essential to both personal AND professional success. Below I have excerpted perhaps one of the best entries on this subject that I have encountered. It spoke loudly to me, so loudly that it begged to be re-posted for all who similarly struggle with this issue.

Overloaded? Overwhelmed? Learn to say, “No.”

Courtesy of…Zen Habits‘ blogger Leo Babauta via Hal Macomber

8 Essential Strategies for Saying NO:

1. Try saying “yes” first
2. Know your commitments
3. Value your time
4. Defer
5. Be polite, but firm
6. Pre-empt
7. “I’d love to, but”
8. Never say you’re sorry

If you’re going to say yes, then mean it. Otherwise, say, “No.”

Here’s one more. Say, “Yes,” sincerely. Check your private un-spoken conversation (thoughts). Are you thinking, “I don’t want to do this?” If so, you owe it to yourself to either say, “No,” or to negotiate some other promise.

Still having trouble saying, “No?” Remember this: a no is far better than a half-hearted yes. Treat people with the same respect you want. If you’re going to say yes, then mean it. Otherwise, say, “No.”

Wishing You Success..Saying NO when needed,
Natalya