The Power of Saying "No"

Do you have difficulty in saying "No" to people?
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"No" is such a simple word....only two letters. Yet saying "No" out loud is harder for most people than saying, "I'll be glad to..." (eleven letters)or "When do you need me to..." (seventeen letters)

Most of us said, "No!" quite well when we were two. After all, it's the two-year-old's job to say "No." The authority figures in our lives at the time, our parents, expect us to say "No." And it is because of "No" that the year is known as the Terrible Two's.

Many of us grow up to be people pleasers. The word "No" drops out of our vocabulary, and we substitute lots of ways to be agreeable and keep the other person happy. Saying "No" to the authority figures is not expected. And underneath it all we believe that saying "No" can cost us a lot in our adult life.

We all need to say “no” sometimes. However, "no” can be quite a challenge. A no that's poorly stated can be alienating, harmful, disruptive and damaging to both personal and professional relationships. Often times, turning down someone's request can be an awkward affair, and unintentionally offensive.

Here are some of the quick tips on how to say "No"

Be quick. Tell the person you can’t do it, and politely decline right away. That way you don’t hold up anyone else’s plans.
Be honest. Explain that you have other commitments and can’t make it.
Suggest an alternative. Name another person who might be able to take your place.
Ask for a raincheck. Sometimes we really do want to do something but just don’t have the time right then. Make a plan for the future so you still show good faith.

I hope this will power up your day! Let me know if you agree with this!