Is saying no one of your problems? you are not the only one. Many people avoid the nasty 'n' word as it most often has a negative connotation. Nonetheless, saying no is sometimes as necessary as saying yes. In fact, an honest 'no' can value far more than an untruthful 'yes' uttered in a moment of vulnerability. Let's go further in depth and see some logical reasons why you should not feel guilty for saying no.
First, let's think about the reason why we are often afraid of rejecting someone's proposal with a short and concise 'no'. The motives can differ based on the circumstances, but, in the end, they are mostly connected to our fear of disapproval. As stated before, a negative answer often turns you into the 'bad guy' and no one wants to be perceived as such. Whether we're referring to our personal or professional life, we want to maintain good relationships with those around us and refusing to comply with their requirements and desires might do the opposite. Therefore, we often compromise, and we do things we really don't feel like doing just to keep them pleased.
However, in the long term, this approach will prove inefficient and even destructive. And this leads us to the first good reason why you shouldn't feel obliged to say yes all the time: it makes you feel weak and this is even worse than being considered a selfish bastard. If those around you sense weakness, they will take advantage of it and, in a more or less direct manner, force you to do things you might not like.
Additionally, your weakness will make others discredit you because someone who is easily manipulated by others is rarely taken into account when decisions are being made. Consequently, the more often you rush to say yes, the lower are your chances of standing out as a firm and determined person who's ready to fight and win.
And this fight and win mindest is quite appreciated nowadays, especially if you work in an environment where you have to deal with a lot of people. In this type of environment, being able to say no to a request and to delegate or offer alternatives that are more desirable for you is seen as a sign of strength. To put it simply, if you're a jerk and you have the guts to say no, people will admire and respect you. If you always say yes, due to a compulsive need to comply and feel appreciated, you might actually do yourself more harm than good.
Finally, saying no is simply healthy for your emotional wellbeing because it spares you of all those negative energies that you generate when you do something you actually dislike.
And, bonus point, it also helps you gain more time for yourself and your passions, time which you would have otherwise invested in doing that boring or tedious thing you loathe.
Bottom line. Next time you feel like saying no to someone, simply gather your courage and just say it. There's too much at stake for you not to do it.
Images from: pixaby