There’s only one scenario where saying “no” to someone actually means “yes” — it’s when you say no to something that doesn’t support your priorities! Saying no to others means saying yes to yourself.
“If you don’t design your life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” – Jim Rohn
As a mom, wife, daughter, friend, employee, volunteer, etc. we’re constantly being pulled in so many directions. There’s so much we feel we ‘should’ be doing — but really there’s only so much we can devote our time and attention to. If we don’t stand up for our priorities no one else will, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed, resentful or even angry.
It can be hard to say no to others because maybe we feel like we’re letting them down — but when you have the time and space to focus on yourself and what’s important to you, you gain energy and feel good. And won’t others actually benefit more from that version of you?
And if you’re still thinking about how hard it is to say no, remember you’re your child’s role model. When your kids see you focusing on and devoting time to what you say you value, and saying no to things you don’t believe in, you’ll be setting a powerful example. They’ll learn how to make choices they know are right for them, no matter what others ask them to do.
Not sure if you should say yes or no to something? Ask yourself why you would say yes — is it from a need to be liked or accepted? Is it from a fear of refusing to do what someone else wants you to do? Are you doing it to avoid feeling guilty? Or is it because it truly feels important?
Being generous and helping/caring for others because that’s important to you isn’t a bad thing — it’s different than being “nice” so that you please others.