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 How Saying No Is The Best Way To Increase Emotional Growth

Say “No.” That’s it. End of post. That’s my advice. Saying no is the best way to keep yourself from unnecessary overwhelm and stress. We often say yes and agree to doing things without pausing to think about what we are getting ourselves into.

You need life advice? There you have it. Say no daily. That’s all to it. Watch your life change for the better! You will feel a sense of freedom and control. There is no reason you should feel pressured into saying yes all the time.

I know what you are thinking – is she kidding me right now? The answer is No. Ha! See how easy it is? Yes? No!

How Hard Can It Be To Say No? Very Hard!

It’s not an easy thing for many of us. This two letter word can be so hard to speak out sometimes. A word so simple yet so hard to use. The inability to say no has made life harder and more complicated for so many. I can write for days and days about being a people pleaser. I used to be one.

My mind, my heart, my gut would say No,no,no! And what would my mouth say? “Yes, sure, of course.”

When I think back to those days, I still can’t figure out why it tool me so long to say what I really meant.  What I know now is that saying no is the best thing because it leaves room for you to do other things you may have not otherwise had time for; simply because you made commitments without thinking about it first.

Why Do We Find It Hard To Say No?

Mainly because we have been taught to associate the word no with negativity. Rejection, fear of conflict, judgement, hurt, lack of loyalty. Also, it is easy to say YES! It comes out of our mouths quicker.

Back when I was a people pleaser, I used to feel that saying no meant hurting the other person’s feelings. Disappointing them. Especially when someone had come to me requesting help or a favour.

I would even say yes because I did not know how to communicate or explain my reason for saying no.It was just easier to say yes. But you know what? I would regret it later and lacked the courage to go back on my word.

Not anymore. I say no and I do it with confidence. It is okay to do so and you do not have to feel bad or guilty. Make your boundaries clear because at the end of the day, the reactions and judgments of others belong to them, and not to you.

If Saying No Is The Best Thing – Where Do I start?

You practice it.  That;s what you do. You learn to say no gracefully. Practice saying “no” in small, unimportant situations. When you feel tempted to buy something, or eat that extra piece of cake.

Stop and breathe before saying “yes,” to give yourself a little time to consider the commitment you are about to make as well as assessing your own needs and priorities. If the situation allows, ask for time to think about your decision.

To be able to say no will help you live more authentically into who you are. It is a skill we all need to learn.

 Things You Should Be Aware Of

Potential Persuasion Techniques: Some people just don’t like to take no for an answer. They may use persuasion techniques or the “powers of persuasion” they believe they have to try to change your mind. Don’t fall for it.

Being Asked Multiple Times: If you say no to one thing, they may try to get you to agree to a smaller commitment or favor. Say no with confidence and remember to be firm.

Comparison Tactics: Comparing you to other people is another way people often used to get others to change their no to a yes. You do not have to do something simply because someone else did.

 3 Things To Remember When Saying No

• Start with a compliment or gratitude.
• Ask for more time before committing.
• Thank and encourage the person.

Always remember that you do not need a reason to say “No.” If you do not want to do something, then you don’t have to do it. Remind yourself that it is your choice, your life.

Saying no is one of the best things you can do for your own peace of mind. You will not feel the need to  constantly try to please people out of fear. Put yourself first and start building or maintaining your self-worth. You will find that you are not overwhelmed and overloaded with tasks and priorities of others simply because you said YES.

Did you enjoy this post? (Don’t say NO! – LOL).

How do you approach situation when you have to decline a request to your family, friends, coworkers, kids, or boss?

Please share them with me in the comments section below.

Download the Negative vs. Positive Ways To Say No Infographic in my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY.