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Train yourself to say no, more often.


Why do some of us keep saying yes to everything that comes our way? My heart goes out to people who struggle daily to say no, when their hands are full. Too much on your platter and still trying to be good to others, just because you cant say no to anyone can be detrimental to your health. It gives you a lot of stress and you dont know how to deal with it.

The first step you can take is to tell yourself that it is okay to say no. Its difficult to deal with all the things that are insanely bombarded at you. Some of us are people pleasers and that pile of work which we have on our table, is the direct outcome of pleasing others all the time.

Most of the times people start taking you for granted. They assume you will not say no and talk on your behalf. I always was this person who said yes all the time. And then there was just too much on my plate. And when I knew I had to say No, I would still end up saying Yes. Again and again. Then suddenly one day like an epiphany, I realised that I cannot work like this my entire life. Sooner or later you have to put your foot down and not be that docile.

Once you understand saying no directly will be enough to ward off unwanted work, you will feel liberated. In the initial period of saying no, you might feel some guilt. Everyone does. I know I did. Just keep going till you make it a habit to not take more than you can handle. It will become a routine before you know it.

Sometimes we think and assume too many things. What if he doesn't like it when I say no. But then that is his problem, let him deal with it. Why would you want to think what he will think. Atleast let him do his thinking. What other people think is none of your business. What you think is enough and that should matter.

By the end of the day if you can manage to juggle and take more and at the same time be happy and without stress, then go for it. Otherwise start saying No more often to make your life better. Recharge your batteries by delegating that stuff which doesn't require your attention but you still want to do it anyway types. Some people are fastidious and like to micromanage. If you stop doing that you will make so many lives around you much better and uncomplicated. A simple and direct No can create wonders. Just try it the next time someone adds that 167th file on your desk piled with work.



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