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Be 100% Okay With The Phrase “NO”
The most empowering boundary you can implement in your life
We all have.
For some of us, the problem is that we struggle with saying “No,” which gets us in trouble emotionally, mentally, and physically. There is a negative correlation between the number of times you say “no,” and the bitterness that accumulates. When we don’t say “no,” when we mean no, we start to build up negative energy in our lives because we’re not living as our most authentic selves. Self-hatred, anger, animosity, bitterness, anxiety, and stress are a few of the effects that not saying “no,” enough can bring into your life.
The truth is, we all could probably use the phrase “no” a little more in our lives. It will save us plenty of time not feeling stress, bitterness, unhappiness, anxiety, and trauma in the future.
Sometimes, I still fear saying “no” to people because of the repercussions that may follow. Many people are uncomfortable when people tell them “no” because they struggle to implement boundaries themselves. And the fear of how people may respond has driven me to say “yes,” more times than I meant.
Here’s the thing, though, am I not going to implement boundaries because someone else is struggling to implement them into their life? No. That’s insanity.
Learn to say “no” more often. Don’t worry about the consequences. In fact, I encourage you to get comfortable with potential consequences. If you lose an opportunity or a relationship, another will come to replace it.
It’s a broken record, but when one door closes, many can open up afterward. It’s happened to me several times over, so the same can happen to you.
I still remember a leader asking me to do something outside of my boundaries; instead of bending as most people do to authoritative figures, I said, “no,” and it was the most empowering feeling. I finally got to the point where I no longer feared saying “no” to someone in leadership. “No” became my new best friend after that. I’m not afraid anymore.
“No” is one of the most liberating words we can say to others, but ourselves as well.
Say “no” to your addictions.
Say “no” to your bad habits.
Say “no” to your problematic reactions.
Say “no” to your unproductive behaviors.
Say “no” to your negative thought patterns.
Say “no” to living up to the expectations others have of you.
Say “no” to those who mean no harm but are crossing your boundaries.
The more comfortable you are saying “no,” the more comfortable you’ll get saying “yes,” at the right time, to the right people, to the right relationships, to the right career, and to the right opportunities.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.