When is the last time you said “no” when someone asked you for something? I find it crazy how hard it is to tell people no. I’ve learned over time that I’m not the only one who struggles with it, but I received a good word of encouragement recently – “‘No.’ Is a complete sentence.” Today, let’s look at why it’s so hard to tell people no.
“If you don’t prioritize your life, others will.”
– Greg Mckeown
1. We Desire to Help Others
It is our human nature to want to serve. One of God’s greatest commands is to love others. However, loving others does not have to mean ignoring your own needs and responsibilities.
2. We Don’t Want to Disappoint Others
There may have been a time where you told someone no, and they looked utterly disgusted or felt disappointed. It probably made you feel terrible. Oftentimes, seeing someone else disappointed can cause you to feel like you let them down. But, it is not your fault. Disappointment occurs when people’s expectations are not met. If you did not make them a promise beforehand, you are not responsible for their letdown.
3. We Don’t Want to Seem “Selfish”
A lot of people care too much about what others think of them. We want to be remembered as thoughtful, kind, or helpful. There is nothing wrong with this, but sometimes our need to appear selfless affects how we make decisions. We don’t realize that self-care isn’t selfish. Placing your own well-being above others’ is a form of taking responsibility for your life.
Don’t forget, if you use up all your time pouring into other people’s journeys, you won’t have any more time left for yourself. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Choose wisely. Next week we will look at HOW to tell people no without coming off as rude or nonchalant.
Keep going!
I hope today’s email acts as another perfectly laid brick as you build your stairway to success.
??
