Every Yes is a No
Mar 11, 2024If I asked who among you realizes that it’s important to learn how to say “no,” I suspect every hand would go up in the air. Anyone who has taken a class in time management knows that it’s technically ok to say no. And yet… we still don’t do it, or when we do, we beat ourselves up for it!
Learning to say no is empowering because it allows you to prioritize what truly matters and brings clarity to your goals and responsibilities. When you know your priorities, you can make decisions confidently, focusing on tasks that truly move the needle and enhance your effectiveness.
Consider this fresh perspective: when you say no for the right reasons, it’s easy and there is no guilt. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
The Intentional No is the one that we choose. We could say yes…but we don’t. How do we know when the Intentional No is the right choice? It’s our responsibility to say “no” when saying “yes” makes it difficult or impossible to do what we know is important. This deliberate choice empowers us to set boundaries and avoid overcommitment, whether it’s due to arrogance, obligation, or guilt.
Why is the Intentional No challenging? Often, it’s because we feel we’re the only ones who can handle certain tasks, or we succumb to external pressures and expectations. However, saying no in these situations not only preserves our focus but also creates opportunities for others to step up and grow.
The Circumstantial No, on the other hand, is unavoidable – emergencies, conflicts, prior commitments. We may beat ourselves up over these nos, feeling like we’ve let people down. But here’s a new way to look at it: Our no in these situations often paves the way for someone else’s yes, leading to unforeseen opportunities and growth.
Reflecting on impactful career decisions where saying no opened new opportunities is enlightening. It shows that our thoughtful, intentional no not only sets others on our team up for a yes but also positions us for a better yes in the future.
Where can you start saying no out of the goodness of your heart? Recognize that your “no” is often necessary for a better yes, for yourself and others. When we say no with purpose, we empower ourselves and enable someone else’s yes, fostering a cycle of growth and positivity
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