Have you ever been flat worn out from having so much to do, and then you make the sudden realization that you’ve said “yes” too many times? You may have a giving heart, so you find it hard to say “no” to anyone.
You’re involved at your kids’ school, you volunteer in the community and at a local church or charity. You’re a member of some sort of semi-professional group outside work, and another one related to work. You’ve said “yes” to so many things that you end every day without a moment left to yourself because each spare moment is scheduled out for months to come.
And forget having a weekend to relax! You’ve already volunteered to make deliveries for Meals-on-Wheels between soccer games, but only after you’ve mowed your elderly neighbor’s lawn and walked their dog. Then you’re heading back across town to watch your son’s soccer game, but you have to leave in the middle to pick up your daughter from ballet. And then….
Whew! I’m tired for you, you poor thing.
Guess what? It’s okay to say “no” sometimes. In fact, it’s okay to say “no” a lot. You shouldn’t ever feel guilty about saying “no” to someone, especially when you want to give your absolute best to the people you say “yes” to. The more you say “yes,” the more mediocre you become at everything.
Does that really end up helping anyone?
Dr. Henry Cloud says, “A good relationship test is how a person responds to the word ‘No.’ Love respects ‘No.’ Control does not.”
Don’t let anyone ever guilt you into saying “yes” to something. If they try, it’s either because they don’t want to do the work themselves, or they’re in a panic and only attempting to fill the need with someone they think will say “yes” no matter what.
Do yourself, and everyone else, a favor and say “no” more often so you can say “yes” to the most important things in your life.
When you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you
are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.
~Paulo Coelho
I’m Jeff M. Miller, and I help ordinary people who are stuck in a rut change their behaviors so they can be extraordinary. I’m an entrepreneur who retired from my full-time job in my early 40s to work from home. I’m a financial counselor, life coach, graphic designer, and passionate believer in helping others improve their lives a little more each day.
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