Seven Benefits of Saying “No”

Do you ever have a hard time saying “No”.  I do. I fear missing out on an opportunity or disappointing people. However, saying “No” does not have to be a negative. There are many positive reasons to use that short two letter word.

1. Saying “No” now allows me to say “YES” to something better later. Good is often the enemy of the best.
2. Saying “No” allows someone else to say “Yes”. Teammates are able to experience developmental opportunities when I say no. This requires humility and awareness that I may not be the best person for the job. It requires that I know my own strengths and those of my teammates.
3. Saying “No” is a reminder that I am not indispensable.
4. Saying “No” is a “Yes” to a more healthy lifestyle. It keeps me from the stress of over commitment or ever extending myself.
5. Saying “No” is saying “Yes” to the power of being more in control of my life.
6. Saying “No” is saying “Yes” to new opportunities I might not have known existed. Once I am more available, I  find other opportunities more in line with my passions and gifting.
7. Saying “No” gives me time to do whatever I have put on the back burner. (Writing that book, blogging, train for a 5K, give attention to a relationship or project that needs my energy this month, etc.

What helps you say “No”?

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• The 7 Habits of Highly Ineffective People
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• Developing a Habit

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