The power of 'No'
As simple as this two letter word is, many people are in a tight situation, are about to get into one or have been in one because of not knowing how to utilise the word.
Looking back at your life, imagine how your story would have turned out at certain points if you had mustered the courage to say no.
Relationships
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: 'Bad company always corrupts good morals (character).
There are certain people, programs or activities which by not saying 'no' to, you will lose who you really are. That which you spend much time focused on you will be transformed into it's likeness. If you spend time with someone or with music filled with swearing and vulgarities, before you know it these traits will rub off on you. There are certain paths you should not walk on, avoid them and move on.
Studies
Take it from me...I saved myself from a lot of strain and pressure by deciding to say no when I was being directed to go a certain route for my studies. In high school I potentially could have done Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics etc) but I stuck to my guns and said 'no' I will do Commercials and Arts (Humanities). Had I gone the Sciences route, I know I would have struggled as that's not my forte.
I would not have managed to develop my literary acumen the way I managed to do by studying Shona Language & Literature and English Language & Literature. The economist I am today might possibly not have been unearthed if I was not exposed to Whinya esq who spoke glowingly about Economics and ignited my interest. If I had not said 'no' I likely would have failed my subjects dismally and developed low self esteem just because of having been misplaced.
Career
In the workplace there are times when you are asked to take on one extra task which potentially could derail you from what you were working on. Someone can come to you and say, "can you do X for me it should take just a few minutes."
For fear of being considered lazy or insubordinate, some take on this extra task when in actual fact they did not have the capacity. One needs to be comfortable in saying no when you're meant to say no.
Saying yes when in your heart you're actually meaning no does not help you or the person to whom you have responded. That internal dissonance (conflict) is what causes stress and anxiety...your whole being is geared in a different direction to what you are 'forcing' yourself to do- just because you could not muster the courage to say 'no'.
Finances
A somewhat touchy subject for many...this is one area where the 'power of no' alludes people. The first port of call when talking about finances is the place of differentiating between wants and needs.
Lack of this distinction results in people not prioritising (budgeting) their money properly. Saying yes to every good or service you're presented with when you haven't planned for it places you at risk of getting into debt.
Time
Every minute you spend doing one thing means you can't spend it on something else. You need to be intentional about how you use your time. Unlike money which you can spend and make more...once time is 'spent' it can't be recreated.
You need to use the 'power of no' to ensure your time gets directed to things which you have planned. If you don't, you will forever be following someone else's drumbeat.
Looking back at your life, imagine how your story would have turned out at certain points if you had mustered the courage to say no.
Relationships
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: 'Bad company always corrupts good morals (character).
There are certain people, programs or activities which by not saying 'no' to, you will lose who you really are. That which you spend much time focused on you will be transformed into it's likeness. If you spend time with someone or with music filled with swearing and vulgarities, before you know it these traits will rub off on you. There are certain paths you should not walk on, avoid them and move on.
Studies
Take it from me...I saved myself from a lot of strain and pressure by deciding to say no when I was being directed to go a certain route for my studies. In high school I potentially could have done Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics etc) but I stuck to my guns and said 'no' I will do Commercials and Arts (Humanities). Had I gone the Sciences route, I know I would have struggled as that's not my forte.
I would not have managed to develop my literary acumen the way I managed to do by studying Shona Language & Literature and English Language & Literature. The economist I am today might possibly not have been unearthed if I was not exposed to Whinya esq who spoke glowingly about Economics and ignited my interest. If I had not said 'no' I likely would have failed my subjects dismally and developed low self esteem just because of having been misplaced.
Career
In the workplace there are times when you are asked to take on one extra task which potentially could derail you from what you were working on. Someone can come to you and say, "can you do X for me it should take just a few minutes."
For fear of being considered lazy or insubordinate, some take on this extra task when in actual fact they did not have the capacity. One needs to be comfortable in saying no when you're meant to say no.
Saying yes when in your heart you're actually meaning no does not help you or the person to whom you have responded. That internal dissonance (conflict) is what causes stress and anxiety...your whole being is geared in a different direction to what you are 'forcing' yourself to do- just because you could not muster the courage to say 'no'.
Finances
A somewhat touchy subject for many...this is one area where the 'power of no' alludes people. The first port of call when talking about finances is the place of differentiating between wants and needs.
Lack of this distinction results in people not prioritising (budgeting) their money properly. Saying yes to every good or service you're presented with when you haven't planned for it places you at risk of getting into debt.
Time
Every minute you spend doing one thing means you can't spend it on something else. You need to be intentional about how you use your time. Unlike money which you can spend and make more...once time is 'spent' it can't be recreated.
You need to use the 'power of no' to ensure your time gets directed to things which you have planned. If you don't, you will forever be following someone else's drumbeat.
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