The "Yes" Epidemic

“No” is a full sentence, and we need to use it more.

Being surrounded by and working with successful women in sales over the last decade, there is a surprising trend that I see popping up regardless of the industry or position.

Back when we were two years old, we had no problem saying “No” to all the things we were NOT interested in (terrible twos anyone?!)....so why is it that as adults we find it so hard to say “No” to the things that truly do not serve us and take it on anyways?

Well, a couple reasons. Growing up we may have been told “No” is impolite or rude, and carried that with us into adulthood. The difference is we are not just being asked to pick up our toys or go to bed early in adulthood – but hand over hours of our time to things that we may not align or fully agree with. This can snowball into feeling resentment or anger towards the task at hand.

Yet we still say “Yes. Sometimes, saying “Yes” makes us feel like we are pleasing others and putting others happiness above our own, sometimes at our own expense. Especially as type A driven women, it can be part of our MO to take on more than we can handle sometimes, especially if we find it difficult to ask for support. This can be a recipe for burnout.

The better we can be at practicing saying “No” to things that do not serve us – the more space we have for the RIGHT things to come into our lives.  We need to also not forget the power of the state of “doing nothingness” can provide for us instead of choosing the hamster wheel of endless to do’s and busyness. 

Remember the old saying “Quality over Quantity”? Let’s use it! 

3 Ways to Flex into Your “No” Radar

1.    Does the decision feel expansive or restrictive?

2.    Does this opportunity put you further or closer to commitments you have already made or promised?

3.    Will this add chaos or calm to your life?

Remember, saying “No” to things that do not serve us anymore is coming from a place of power and self-assuredness. You might be surprised at how your productivity, happiness, and overall sense of purpose can change by practicing this simple decision daily. 

Written by Amanda Koziel / Founder of The VIP Woman