The Power of NO... And How to Say It

"The oldest, shortest words - 'yes' and 'no' - are those which require the most thought." — Pythagoras

Tired of getting little accomplished?

Say NO. NO is among the most powerful and ancient of words. Although often viewed as a negative response, its effects can be positive in nature when employed properly.

Let's first visit the positive power of NO.

"Focusing is all about saying no." — Steve Jobs

NO focuses. It is a lens through which meaningful things gain clarity.

"It's only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that really matter." — Scott Belsky

NO concentrates. It dismisses less meaningful things.

"NO puts distance between you and the wrong influence." — Jim Rohn

NO distances. Bad influences are arrayed before you like a minefield.

"Saying no can be the ultimate self-care." — Claudia Black

NO cares. A hectic life full of clutter wears you down. It gnaws at you from the inside out.

"The power of saying NO is so much more than the power of saying YES." — Julianna Margulies

Of the words YES and NO, which one holds the most power?

But saying no is difficult. How do you say it confidently?

You want to please people. You hate to disappoint. You dare not appear rude. But think about it. Isn't a dishonest YES rude? Doesn't it often lead to disappointment?

Even worse...

"A dishonest YES is a NO to yourself." — Byron Katie

When you say YES to one thing, you say NO to many others. What are you giving up by trying to please other people?

How to say NO:

• Be firm and polite.
• Remember and express your needs.
• Just say it... quickly and in the moment.
• Briefly state what you must give up by saying YES.

Don't give in to pressure tactics. Your needs matter. Be honest about them, and don't give a dishonest YES. To be successful in this life, you must say NO often.

Food for Thought

How difficult is saying NO for you?

What have you given up by saying YES?

Don't your needs matter?

One Small Step

The next time you are confronted with YES vs. NO for something that doesn't meet your needs, say NO without delay. Be firm and polite. If there is resistance, briefly explain why it doesn't meet a need or what you must give up by saying YES.