Sometimes “NO” is the kindest word

Steve jobs believed focusing is about saying no , sometimes no is the kindest word you heard . It is right saying no, it'is not just okay it is necessary . Well i have had a hard time saying no myself perhaps you do too. This problem is more common than we think especially for those who are empathetic and nurturing . We just hate the thought of hurting someone else's feelings . There are so many situations in your day-to-day lives when you're stuck with this thought just for an example if your roommate wants to borrow your car or your jacket and you're not okay with that it's your right to tell that person NO. It's your right to tell people no to the tasks you can easily outsource instead do the actions that don't match your vision the things that distract and destroy your time the things that aren't healthy for your mind and body, the things that aren't up to you or in your control. It also doesn't mean that the answer you said may always be no it just means at this point in time you are not okay with agreeing to this request this outline has to be clear but doesn't have to be combative aggressive or threatening it can be gentle subtle and firm . Setting boundaries is hard at first it makes us feel small selfish scared , it gets easier and the reward is extinguishing resentment .

Here are the 12 times when saying no should be a no-brainer at all:

• 1# number one priorities when you are hijacked by other people's priorities you don't have time to tackle your own make your priorities a priority
• 2# number two personal values hold firm to your beliefs and values when you succumb to pure pressure you may live to regret it
• 3# number three focus if you try to be good at everything you'll end up being a mediocre at everything
• 4# number four stop trying to fill your calendar each day happiness is a result of balance rather than intensity
• 5# number five productivity just because some people waste their time doesn't entitle them to waste yours
• 6# number six shortcuts don't allow yourself to be talked into every hair brain idea get rich quick schemes rarely pan out in the long run
• 7# number seven appetite be grateful for the things you have in your life rather than being obsessed with more
• 8# number eight resource allocation concentrate on your resources rather than making across the board decisions
• 9# number nine attitude when you allow negative and unethical people to pollute your thoughts you're forced to carry your hair below carefully choose the people with whom you associate
• 10# number 10 conscience never let people never let anyone perceive you to compromise your integrity listen to your conscience that's why you have one
• 11# number eleven happiness say no every once in a while before you become resentful when you spend more time doing have tools rather than one twos other people's happiness becomes more important than your own
• 12# number 12 self-respect take ownership of your life decisions rather than relinquishing that responsibility to others when you constantly seek approval you give more weight to another person's opinion than your own .

If you don't say no you will have to pay the price sometimes the price may be in the form of money sometimes in the form of time itself . Sometimes your self-respect and sometimes your sentiments . It is important to be able to say no so you feel empowered while still maintaining your relationships with others , saying no helps you establish healthy boundaries and enables others to have the clarity about what they can expect from you.