Power of Saying No!

This post is dedicated to all those who struggle with saying no.

Isn’t it strange that such a little word should cause so much havoc, angst and fear in the hearts and minds of us humans?

After all, if you turn the letters around to make the word on, there is zero emotion. Zilch. Nada!

Why is that?

Well, I believe it goes back to our childhood and even further ….

It’s to do with wanting to be approved of by our parents and other significant people in our life.

And do you remember when you asked your parents for something, and they said no.

Perhaps you kept on badgering them, hoping they would change their mind.

With exasperation, they would say to you N O spells NO!

Do you remember that?

How painful did it feel?

It didn’t feel great, did it?

You probably felt rejected.

And I believe it goes even deeper than that.

If you think of caveman days, if a person was thrown out of the tribe, then they would probably not be able to survive.

The reptilian part of the brain is still alive today and creates powerful negative emotion.

Not to be nasty but as a means of self-preservation.

Unfortunately, in many circumstances, it is misplaced and unnecessary.

In fact, it is positively damaging.

So let’s take a look at what it’s potentially costing you not to say no in business:

❌ You take on clients who are not the right calibre. They do not pay you properly and are overly demanding.

❌ When someone challenges your fees, you immediately discount without thinking.

❌ When a client asks you to do something at short notice, you automatically say yes. You do not consider whether it’s urgent or not and you do not think about other commitments.

You certainly do not consider your needs.

I could go on ad nauseum.

Instead, let me ask you a question.

Where are you not saying no when it would be much better for you if you did?

When will you start saying no?