The Power of 'No'

Trapped in a World of 'YES'.*

Now I know that most of you do NOT know how to say NO.

It seems as if you are being anti-social, you’re misbehaving, revolting against the machine.

Friends ask us to do things,
family expects us to do things,
and bosses demand that we do things.

And each time we’re asked, we board that long guilt trip of how to say NO, NO, NO.

If I say no:

Will they hate me?
Will they disown me?
Will they fire me?

And the truth is—yes, they probably will.

But that probably has very little to do with you saying NO.

Nope.
It’s more likely related to their own laziness, jealousy, ungratefulness, and disbelief that you—once so compliant—could possibly find the courage to say NO.

Ridiculous, isn’t it, when we think this way?

If friends truly are your friends, then they should have the good sense to realise that they might also need to say NO someday.
And you don’t need a reason to say NO.
You say NO because it’s probably just not possible.

And family—those selfish blackmailing individuals who use a lifelong knowledge of reciprocal abuse.
They know all your weak points just as well as you know theirs.
Yet emotionally mature individuals understand that that life has passed, and new lives have begun.
Lives where there isn’t always time to jump at their beck and call every time they ask.

And bosses.
Get a life, why don’t you? You sad excuse for a boss.

I’ve dedicated enough of the time you pay me for—without needing to constantly sacrifice the time that is mine.
Time you’re probably not even going to pay me for.

I value my position.
I value my future.
I value my salary.
I respect the company, and even you as a boss.

The only thing I ask is that you respect me—as a person.

But seriously folks.
The very best way to find that delicate balance in your life is to know when to say NO.

You can’t expect to say it always. You’ve got to be selective.
Pick your moments.
But never be afraid of saying NO, just once in a while.

Try it in front of a mirror.
See how it looks.
Note how it feels.
Listen to how it sounds.

This new YOU that you become…
will be a whole lot healthier—
and a whole lot more respected—
over the long run.

👁️ Views (0)