Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 51: I Learnt to Say NO.

It is true that using the word NO is difficult for us, but most people have difficulties because they are unable to utilize the word NO in appropriate situations. It is critical to learn to say no whenever possible. Otherwise, it will degrade our character, well-being, and life path.

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Do you always find it hard to say NO to people's requests?

Saying no is challenging for me, but I don't find it difficult because I always try to do the right thing and like watching others do the same. If my children request something inappropriate, I will not hesitate to say NO for their own good. If my husband suggests something incorrect, which he rarely does, I say no. We encountered a variety of people in the community, so we had to deal with people who had various perspectives. If someone suggested anything wrong, even if the majority of people agreed with it, I said no, if it was wrong.

I used to seek advice from my family, including my children, before taking any action. If someone says no, I question as to why, and if it is correct, I obey them. We must be courageous enough to use the word NO where it is truly appropriate.

Mention reasons why people find it difficult to say NO.

Most of the time, people find it difficult to say no because they are unsure of themselves, or they lack confidence. Some people are afraid of making enemies; even if they understand that something is wrong, they are afraid to say no because they believe that their response will hurt them and make them annoyed. Some people answer YES to avoid confrontation or rejection. They want to be popular in society, therefore they are afraid to say NO, even though their hearts say No. That's wrong. Some people are afraid to say No because they want to please others. There is no reason to fear anyone if the answer is no.

What was that experience that taught you to say NO?

My experience with learning to say NO began during a busy period of my office career. Even though I have a heavy workload, I accepted extra work to support my friends. One day, I became concerned about my health due to stress and exhaustion. This experience served as a wake-up call. I know that saying YES, all the time is harmful to my well-being. I learned that my needs and limitations are important and that saying no when necessary is required.

What is your advice for those who still struggle to give NO as an answer?

First, prioritize your well-being and recognize that this is not your selfish nature. Identify your boundary and accept that you cannot please everyone, therefore begin to say no courteously and respectfully. Your loved one and close companions will understand you. Stop saying YES to please others because it is harmful to you, your character, and the environment. If an adult forces you to do something you don't want to do, don't be afraid to say no if it is the correct method. Improve your confidence, ensure that you are accurate, and then you will be able to say NO without using force.

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