Are you a people-pleaser? Do you often get stressed out and overwhelmed by too many responsibilities? Are you having a hard time creating the success you want, even though you’re trying as hard as you can?
Here’s a simple, often overlooked, surefire method to build up your self confidence, find happiness and even earn the respect of your friends, family and co-workers: Try saying the word “NO” a little more often.
This advice may come as a surprise to some of you out there. You might think you can’t turn people down and still have good relationships, but you can. Even more importantly, learning how to say no when it’s necessary will help you to grow, focus on your goals – and protect you from being taken advantage of.
Need a little inspiration? Check out this list of quotes on the positive power of using the word ‘no’:
On how to direct your life: “We need to find the courage to say no to the things and people that are not serving us if we want to rediscover ourselves and live our lives with authenticity.” Barbara de Angelis
On how to be most effective and reach your goals: “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically – to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.” Steven R. Covey
On a lifetime of creating good work: “I’m as proud of many of the things we haven’t done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to a thousand things.” Steve Jobs
On getting along with others: “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby
On avoiding trouble: “Say ‘no’ more than ‘yes,’ and just make sure you surround yourself with good people.” Lindsay Lohan
On maintaining a successful work-life balance: “I say no to a lot of things that just don’t fit my life. I involve my kids in what I’m struggling with so they don’t compete with it.” Actress Connie Nielsen, best known for her role in Gladiator
On professional success: “All the mistakes I ever made in my life were when I wanted to say no, and said yes.” American playwright and theatre director Moss Hart
On saying ‘no’ to the unnecessary things for personal happiness: “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stoke of luck.” Dalai Lama
Convinced? You might want to bookmark these quotes, or even create a list of your own, to look at whenever you need to courage to say ‘no’ to an unreasonable request. It can take a lot of courage to turn people down, or let the wrong opportunity pass you by. Just remember: When you take back your power, you are making the decision to be your best, most effective self when you decide to say ‘yes’!