How to Say, “No” Instead of Saying, “Yes”

Just say, “No.”

Much easier said than done.

At least that has been my experience.

Over the years, I found it difficult to say, “No” to things I didn’t want to be a part of.

I didn’t want to disappoint others.

I didn’t want to negatively impact the trajectory of a friendship or relationship.

I didn’t want to create conflict or confrontation.

So, I went with it.

I said, “Yes” to things in order to avoid all of the above.

I took meetings that should’ve been nothing more but text message exchanges.

I went to events that I truly didn’t want to be a part of.

I accepted connection requests when the better decision might have been to decline.

It wasn’t until years later that I began to see the impact of my decision to say, “Yes” to all things.

Lack of personal boundaries.

Belief that I cannot and should not say, “No.”

Constant fear of losing a friendship or relationship.

Becoming aware of all of this helped me develop an action plan to move forward with.

Now, I set clear boundaries for what I want to engage in.

I do the cost-benefit analysis. I weigh out the pros/cons of saying, “Yes” compared to, “No.”

Lastly, I put it all into practice. I practice it every opportunity I get.

I don’t get it right every single time.

I am not striving for perfection.

I am striving to be better than I was before.