“Learn to say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best.” John C. Maxwell
How hard is it to just say NO? Our minds, when we let them, can lead us into traps that end up in a pattern where No is not an option. How did that happen, and what can we do about it?
The key to this lies in one word: FOCUS! Whatever we have allowed to take the power of NO away from us can be changed, if we want to change!
Mayo Clinic says: “saying NO is a healthier option for stress relief, than continuing to say yes resulting in sacrificing your peace of mind and creating more stress that you can ever handle.”
Here are two simple suggestions to keep us focused, able to say NO when we should, and keep the bad stress level from taking over!
1. “Know your NO“- Peter Bregman in a recent Harvard Business Review Blog states: “identify what’s important to you and what’s not. Before you can say NO with confidence you have to be clear that you want to say NO!” That means having a business and personal plan in place so that you are clear about your purpose, mission, and calling in life! If the request doesn’t fit-then it is easier to say NO!
2. Define what you have allowed to take your power of saying NO away!
Could it be: (a) wanting to please everyone
(B) wanting to draw more customers and make your business more profitable
(c) allowing guilt to dominate your relationships with family and friends?
(d) pride- feeling your self-worth and success is based solely on how much you do and are seen as doing, no matter what that will take; rather than doing the right and important things only? This is usually self-imposed “busy” work, which takes you away from the real focus at hand!
Which of these sound like you? Be honest!
Good news! Here are 3 “Simple” Ways to Say NO and feel good about it!
1. When asked to do one more thing, do not respond at the time. Tell the person you will get back to them, make a time to do so. Then think about it, draft your response, and remember you are saying NO to the request- not the person.
2. Practice your NO, it is good for you, your family, and your business life.
3. Keep your business and personal plan visual and in front of you at all times. If you don’t have one, now is the time to create them! How? By saying NO to people, things, and places, and allow yourself the time to get your plans in place!
Today ready to get off the “merry-go-round” of always saying yes, and get back on track of saying NO? We here at “Simply” Sue Speaks! would love to help you and your groups and businesses learn how and know the importance of doing so!
Have a great Happy Thankful Thursday!
“Simply” Sue
owner- “Simply” Sue Speaks!