Saying No when We Must

With a predisposition to say yes or a desire to be positive, saying no could make you uncomfortable. But saying yes can sometimes get us in trouble. Have you ever said yes to a project at work, school or church, even knowing that you don't have enough time for it? And those telephone solicitors that you say yes to, even when you don't have the money, or it could be better spent elsewhere? Ever said yes to impulse buying, and later fuming and regretting it?

Sometimes, No can be a good word. At the right time or place, a well spoken no will do you more good than a bucketful of yeses. Some people will make you feel guilty and uncomfortable, particularly if they have a vested interest in you saying yes to their demands. You should not be saying no just to spite or bother someone.

Can you see that the ability to say no to some questions gives you freedom to say yes to others? How about having a system that helps you recognize when saying "no" is the right answer. Be selective, the less frequently you say it, the more impact you will have. You may have to explain your answer, but don't offer an explanation unless asked.

If you are trying to lose weight, put a sign on the door that says No, I don't want that slice of cake. Set a limit to how many projects you can work on, and stick to it. Say no to others until you lighten the load. Say no to bigotry, bias, and bad ideas. Say "No" to excessive eating and alcohol. And most of all, saying no to procrastination and activities that waste your precious time.