How Easy is it to Say NO?

Do you know how to say "No"? Many people don't and that is when they become overwelmed, stressed and overworked. If you are like me, I didn't realize that I couldn't say NO. I just did whatever needed to be done and never questioned it.

AS A SINGLE MOM

As a young single Mom, I worked a full time job (sometimes 2), Coached my son's baseball teams, was on the Little League Board, Football Board, PTA and anything else that was asked of me. My boys and I spent almost every day at the Little League Field, which was luckily behind our home. I would volunteer, bake, babysit and even had Friday once a month for Bunco. Never thought about it, just did it. No wasn't in my vocabulary.

Once my children grew up and moved out, I immersed myself if my job of sales and management, working many long hours. As a sales rep, I prided myself on serving my client's need and my motto was never say "No" and work to provide all their needs.

LEARNING A LESSON

Then in my 50's I changed jobs and met my new Manager. We went to a fire station and did a walk thru of their warehouse. As I was asked if we could provide it, I would start to shake my head yes, while my manager was shaking his "no." I was perplexed. When we left, he asked me, "You can't say no, can you." I replied, "Yes, you are right." He told me I needed to give myself permission to say no and to concentrate on the things that I do well and not to try to be all things to all people. I went home and sent him an email with no No NO. . told him I was just practicing.

I changed my style when I met with my clients. When asked if I could do something that I or our company didn't really provide, I would reply, "There are some things we do very well, but that isn't one. I can help you find someone or give you a referral if I have one." They appreciated my honesty and my business actually grew. I spent less time trying to accomplish the impossible or improbable.

IT'S OK TO SAY NO!

That was a valuable lesson which I wish I had learned at a younger age. #2 in my next blog. . .7 Ways to Develop a More Peaceful Lifestyle, is: Be prepared to say "no" nicely. Sometimes we take on things we shouldn't because we're uncomforable saying no.