There is a very important two-letter word that many people cannot say with conviction, “no”, and they often get themselves into trouble because of it. The word “no” is very powerful, and you should be able to learn how to use it wisely.
Knowing When to Say “No”
People always say that if you want to reach greater heights, you should learn to take risks and find pleasure in gambling, even just a little. There, however, is a time for you to take risks and dodge them, and you should be smart enough to recognize between good and bad opportunities.
The word “no” is a negative word, but you should realize that it could save your life, in so many ways. Tempting as it may, you should be able to recognize between things that have capability to hurt you, and you should say “no” to this. Life is a choice and you have to make the right decisions, to be able to enjoy a better quality of life.
The Wrong Way to Say “No”
There are different ways for one to say “no”. There is an unassertive “no” that involves the accompaniment of a lot of excuses. A person who expresses this, is usually unsure of himself and when you say “no” unassertively, you express ambivalence, so people may not take you seriously. Another faulty way is to say “no” is the aggressive way. Although it may signify power and authority, it is often seen as rude and unprofessional.
Saying “No” to People
Often times, people are unable to say “no” because they do not want to disappoint others. It is in man’s nature to want to please other people and this makes it hard for him to refuse. Especially when a lot of pressure is put on you and a number of people rely on your to say “yes”, rejecting becomes almost an impossibility.
Still, it is important that you have to know how to say “no”. Sometimes, it is just a matter of knowing the right words to say and picking the right opportunity to say it. Here are some phrases you can use:
- I am quite preoccupied at the moment, and I cannot take any more responsibilities. If you have a lot to do, and you think that you are incapable of taking any more, then say so.
- Let me think about it, first, and I will come back to you with an answer. If you are unsure about something, pause for a while and give yourself some time to think. Do not be pressured into making an abrupt answer. Your decision will affect your life, therefore, make a wise one.
- It would be a pleasure but I cannot commit to anything at the moment. A good way to reject someone would be to express your sincerest desire to help them but then try to explain why you cannot. Do not reject a person outright, if you do not want to offend. Offer an explanation.
- I am sorry, I am not equipped to do this. If you do not want to take a responsibility because you are not skilled to do it, then be honest and just tell them the truth.
- I believe that you will be better at this, than I. This way, you are rejecting a person and making him feel good about himself too. You are making them realize what they might not have known. You save yourself and you do it without offending anyone.
