Saying “yes” to everything (and everyone) has a cost. Before we talk about the fine art of saying “no”, let’s count the costs of saying “yes” indiscriminately…
(1) A person with an inability to say “no” will soon find herself psychologically depleted. Saying yes unthinkingly now, ensures less energy for the things that really matter later.
(2) It is impossible to simplify or prioritize if we feel compelled or guilted into stretching ourselves too thin. Not every battle can be fought. Judiciously retreating from a hill that is not worth “dying on” is its own kind of victory. Besides, saying “yes” now will provide you with social pressure to maintain the “yes” – even if it’s a bad idea – later.
(1) A person with an inability to say “no” will soon find herself psychologically depleted. Saying yes unthinkingly now, ensures less energy for the things that really matter later.
(2) It is impossible to simplify or prioritize if we feel compelled or guilted into stretching ourselves too thin. Not every battle can be fought. Judiciously retreating from a hill that is not worth “dying on” is its own kind of victory. Besides, saying “yes” now will provide you with social pressure to maintain the “yes” – even if it’s a bad idea – later.
