All of us have the option to say no to certain things, such as a piece of cake or a cup of tea. You have the choice to accept or reject, go or not. This is how it appears.
Some people are accustomed to saying “no” as their default. You may find yourself stressed out, busy or overwhelmed. Sometimes they lack self-confidence and don’t want to be perceived as struggling or failing by others.
Others will say “yes” all the time. Although they may not wish to miss out on any of the action, these people are keen to participate, be informed and take control. They aren’t interested in causing harm, disappointment or letting others down. Instead they want everyone to be happy and fulfilled.
Your optimum level of performance is somewhere between. This means that you say “yes” enough times for yourself to challenge and stretch, meet new people, and step outside your comfort zone. Equally, we must also say “no”, often enough for us to have the space and time to do, think and breathe what is right.
We should therefore say yes.
Accepting offers and invitations can be mentally challenging and cause stress in our lives. Stress can be good for our mental health. It makes us problem-solve, think and come up with innovative ideas. When there is nothing challenging or outlandish in your life, it’s good for our brains to be engaged and alert by trying new things.
It’s possible to say ‘yes’ and meet new people, expand our network or grow our business. It may be necessary to take a chance on being the ‘new guy,’ opening doors, and sometimes even frightening ourselves. It’s important to try something new, go to a different place and be adventurous if you are tired of your routine life or want to begin afresh.
If you find yourself responding to invitations and requests with tension, fear, and stress frequently, then it is a good idea to take a moment and look at what’s going on internally and emotionally. You might respond with “I have to check my diary”, which may allow you time to think about the benefits and drawbacks of a yes/no decision.
But, are you one of those people that always needs to answer ‘yes? It is possible to be afraid of appearing stupid, out-of-your-depth, or struggling so that you don’t dare to say “no”. You can become stressed and overworked if you continue to say ‘yes.’ By saying “yes” and accepting too much, you are doing no one any favors.
Why should we say no?
In stressful times, saying “no” can help you to find some peace and time in your busy life. You may be feeling vulnerable or guilty if you are already overworked and stressed. But sometimes, it is necessary.
This could be because other people don’t realize how busy you really are and aren’t able to appreciate the things you have going on in your life. It gives you an opportunity to set boundaries about your time and limit what is possible. They will be more likely to appreciate the contribution you make, which they may have taken as a given.
You don’t have to give up your free time just because someone else is obligated. It is important to make time for your hobbies, interests and other activities, not just for emergency situations. It’s not necessary to defend or justify your actions. You’re busy and have other plans.
It can be difficult to adjust your response to all requests. You should examine your compliant attitude. Do you have a family history of pleasing other people, keeping peace and not disappointing others? Sometimes, living in a vulnerable or fragile environment can lead to tension that may need to be overcome.
Be aware of your response to requests and how often you say “yes” or “no”. You don’t have to be afraid of something, but it will eventually prove valuable. You can also relax and say no if you sense that it isn’t the right thing for you.