Why I Say “No”

Posted on January 23, 2014 Updated on January 23, 2014

There was a point in my short, young life where’d you always hear me say “yes.” Can you help me move my cattle, “yes.” Can you read my paper, “yes.” Can you stay late to work on this project, “yes.” The people pleaser in me would jump at anything or anyone to help out. Always remembering “yes” as it rolled off my tongue easier than my own name. That was until I learned the word “no.”

To clarify the word “no” had been in my vocabulary long before. As a child, when my parents asked me to eat my vegetables it was always “no.” As I got older I’d seem to have lost the word from my growing vocabulary.

It had always been ingrained in my DNA to work hard and do the best at whatever I chose to do. A theory that was further drilled into me during my college years and then upon entering the corporate world.

Working late at the office was nothing out of the ordinary. Sometimes I would have been the first one in and the last one to leave at night. Making sure every last report was completed and checking on my colleagues.

After several years and many burnt out tax seasons, I realized that if I didn’t change my way of thinking, it would soon change me. That’s when I reacquainted myself with the word “no.”

It wasn’t that I would turn down friends when they asked for help or only work the bare minimum when it came to work, it was balancing my life. I’ve learned by prioritizing yourself, you can better help others. I cut out a certain part of every week for myself, to help me unwind and recharge. If there is some social commitment I want to attend, I go. If someone needs assistance, I create a schedule we both can live with. As a result of my new found word, I haven’t received any backlash or judgement. People have respected my decision and know that if they need help or want something done, it will get done – just at my time/pace. Compromise is key!

As I’ve gotten older, the more and more responsibilities and tasks I have taken on, which makes the balancing act oh so important. By saying “no” to certain things it has allowed me the opportunity to further my passions and be a better person to everyone and everything I do. So next time you are feeling stressed or burnt out, remember you can say no.