Why is it so hard to say NO?
I credit learning to say NO to my recovery after a heart attack. It’s the main thing I did to dramatically change my life after surviving a brush with death.
Many survivors will tell you that changing the way they live is their key to finding true peace and clarity after any life changing illness, trauma, or event.
For me, surviving a heart attack required plenty of physical changes like diet, exercise, daily naps, and taking all those pills! Those things were easy compared to changing my lifestyle of an energetic gal always on the run taking care of everything and everybody.
It was my ingrained belief – it was the way each day should be – you know “filled to the brim” with fun exciting things.
To change that paradigm meant setting boundaries, giving myself grace, doing fewer things in a day (like ONE), and most importantly learning to SAY NO.
Luckily, I learned the words to say “NO” so I didn’t feel guilty and disappoint the person asking. After saying NO a few times and feeling successful doing it, I finally feel comfortable saying NO.
Here’s a good list of things to say – copy it and use it freely – I did!
TEN WAYS TO SAY NO
- Sadly, I have something else to do.
- I have another commitment.
- I wish I were able to.
- I’m afraid I can’t.
- I don’t have the bandwidth for that right now.
- I’m honored you asked me, but I simply can’t.
- Thanks for thinking of me. However, I’m not able to.
- I’m sorry, I’m not able to fit this in.
- Unfortunately, I already have plans. Maybe next time!
- No, thank you, but it sounds lovely.
Lastly, here’s a great article from Forbes packed with the reasons why we feel so stressed over it and some great tips on learning to say NO. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here’s the link –
https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-say-no
You’re welcome.