Learn the Power of NO.
Learn the Power of NO.
One of the hardest things to say in life is to say NO. Learning to say no to invitations, to requests or obligations that others thrust on you. I say that saying NO is a virtue once managed. It helps you see more clearly through your daily activities and not loose focus to superficial and useless request from others. There will always be someone somewhere willing to use your time to their advantage. These individuals don’t have your best interest in mind, they only have their own.
Learn to take back control of your life. Do this by saying NO. We all to often say yes to various invitations or requests, finding out in the end, it was a complete wast of your time. Time you could have assigned to more meaningful actions in your life. Actions that relate to you and satisfy you.
This is not an easy task to accomplish. We all try to please others. To be liked, appreciated and valued by others. Your heart will break in some situations. Maybe some disgust will creep from inside you when you say NO to someone.
An easy place to start is when you are busy and focused on the task at hand. A co-worker walks into your office and asks a favour from you. Politely decline the request. Whatever their reaction, don’t give in. Some people will be more difficult to say NO to, but don’t give in. This in time will pass and you will be more comfortable. High regards will come your way. You will respect yourself for the commitment you set for yourself.
Take back your time by saying NO. Some consequences will be felt directly and indirectly. People will be put off by your answer. Your attitude will be foreign to some. Your NO will often be perceived as a personal rejection. They will not understand that you are not saying no to them, but to the request of using your time. No comprehension will be given. Judgement of you choices will result. Offended, some will be. Their reaction will be of contempt. Other may even hate you because of your choice to say no.
This will primarily come from those who don’t understand why you say NO. That you are in control and not them. Don’t let them have their way. Because, before you know it, they will take hold of your time and none will be left for you.
Learning to say NO to our emotions is also important. Like saying no to a co-worker, saying no to some emotions is required not to wast time on foolish distraction. I am not implying to say no to yourself on all emotions, only those that try to overwhelm and turn your concentration to none productive thoughts. The desire to look at social media or watch a quick video for example. In the moment, the time spend on those is trivial. In the long run, it all adds up. Say no to that urge to have another drink when you already know you have had one to many. Say NO to the anger that succumbs you when your buttons get pushed. It will rob you of your energy. Say NO to negativity. It will only lead you down the wrong path.
This attitude will serve you and those close to you in a very positive way. Saying NO is a commitment that must be taken. You will have to work hard each and every day to remain focused. As time passes, it will become easier. You will notice that your time will be dedicated to you and your goals. You will finish that book. You will go to the park with your child. Your mind will not wonder when your are with a loved one or a friend. Say yes to your life and NO to everything else!
Saying NO is very powerful. It can only be initiated by you. The more you say NO, the more you say YES to the important thing in your life. So start today, now, and feel the freedom.
You Have to Love Yourself First - Erik Goulet.
July 24, 2020 @ 9:57 am
[…] want to spend it doing things that you enjoy or be with people who love you. It becomes easier to say “no” to things and tasks that do not add value to your life or well-being. You stand firm with your decisions and […]