Sometimes, discerning when to pronounce a no to yourself is laborious than saying it to others. In fact, at times you end up giving in and just saying yes. It is not a fault; it is human nature in that we want to be agreeable, liked and also depict an act of kindness. However, you need to exercise your NO muscles to go about saying a firm No. The following smart tips will help you learn how to stop saying yes when you want to say no:
Use the word NO
Learn to give a straightforward statement to a request or a question. For instance, ‘I don't think so', ‘Maybe next time'; use the word NO, it is a powerful thing. Use it when you are unequivocally sure that there is no alternative answer. In fact, don't apologize for having to say no. Practice saying the word until its power over you melts away.
Use a firm but polite alternative
Often, we have our friends request for our company maybe for lunch, dinner in spite our busy schedules. It is a way of interacting but if you cannot manage to fix the request within your schedule, don’t pressure yourself too much. Consequently, give a response as it is courteous by saying, ‘Thanks for the invitation, but I have too much o my plate right now’ or ‘not today, thanks’.
Be brief
In some cases, it is healthy to be precise. It is best not to elaborate your ‘no’. Justifying your ‘no’ too much may be gesturing a lie, or it may allow the one who is asking to find a way to make you say yes.
Do not be afraid to say ‘no' twice
Sometimes people rarely respect boundaries, and they may persist on a request forcing you to say yes. Do not give into someone's persistent, be firm with your no. If such a thing occurs and the one requesting requires an answer a second time, smile politely and say no a second time more firmly than the first.
Show signs of assertiveness
Being assertive is one way to show that you are in control of the situation and it is powerful. Ensure you make eye contact and speak in a transparent manner without having to mumble your no. It is an extremely helpful gesture if you feel someone is taking advantage.
Trust your gut
Often, our intuitions never lead us astray. As a result, if it doesn’t feel right, listen to your instincts and say a firm no.
Conclusively, teach yourself to compromise your choices with what is favorable, and you will always be okay with life's unfolding.
