I know how to say NO

Saying no as a woman doesn't always come easy. We worry about how others will feel and if we'll hurt their feelings by saying no. - I call it the people pleasing syndrome.. Often times, we put the needs of others before our own. We're nurturers, its what we do.

But all that comes at a price. You over extend yourself. You make commitments you're not fully comfortable with. Your needs become less of a priority. You find yourself in situations you regret being in. We tend to feel selfish when considering our own wants, needs, and happiness.

Truth be told, Not saying NO = Self-sacrificing behavior ... Let that marinate for a sec...

How many times have people told you no?.. whether directly or indirectly..i.e. not showing up, not calling you, not responding to you, leaving you, ignoring you.. It's so many ways to say no.

There's power in the word No and I've learned to use it.

What I know about "NO"

1. Say what you mean - Be firm. Own it. Don't say no with a question mark or a maybe behind it.

2. It doesn't make you mean. Remember, its not what you say, its how you say it. A honest no is better than a forced yes.

3. It's hard. It's not always easy to say no to your family, friends and loved ones. You begin to feel guilty, like you owe them something. If they love you the way you love them, they'll understand.

4. "No" has its place in the work place. Why take on a project or assignment at work that you really don't want to be responsible for, if you have the option. I don't know about you but when I do something I really don't want to do in the first place, the results are usually not good.

5. Think of what you're giving up. You could be focusing on something else that truly makes you happy, instead of spending time accommodating someone else's needs or expectations.

Get comfortable with saying no. Practice makes perfect. 

~Here's a few "no phrases" to put into rotation~

No
No, thank you
Not today
Thanks for the consideration but I'll pass
I'm not coming
I'm not available
Thanks but no thanks
Naw or Nah
Maybe another time
Nope
Heck no
I don't think so
That's not going to happen
I can't
**Hell No** (Well done. You've mastered the art of "NO")

Are you a yes person? How comfortable are you with saying no?