January 2024 Newsletter
HAPPY 2024!
Are you the type of person everyone comes to to ask you to do something for them? You say “Yes” because you are that dependable person but you know you do not have the time but you say “Yes” anyway.
Learn how to say No.
The Art of Saying No and Setting Healthy Boundaries
Have you had enough of the feeling of being walked all over? Are you tired of people telling you what to do and how to do it?
It feels a bit like the curse of the nice person, doesn’t it? The good news is, for every curse, there’s an antidote.
Let this year be the year that you put your foot down and protect yourself the way you’ve always wanted to.
As you get ready to release old habits that aren’t serving you any longer, here are the best tips for saying no and setting boundaries.
Look at Both Sides of The Coin
Of course, you’re the primary concern here. You have to take care of yourself first, as no one else is going to do it for you. But, when you’re ready to say no, don’t just focus on what you need.
Take a moment to practice some empathy for the other person. People say, do, and ask things for a reason – always.
So, what’s the reasoning behind this thing that you have to say no to? Is someone else trying to do something kind for you? Or, worst case scenario, are they somehow trying to use you as a means to an end?
Whatever you decide, it’s helpful to pause before proceeding to look at both sides of the coin. Use your empathy to potentially uncover how the other party may be feeling before taking the appropriate steps to protect your peace.
Ultimately, you’re number one. But, it’s helpful to have the clearest mind possible as you practice how to say no and set boundaries.
Refuse the Request, Not the Person
This is a bit like letting them down softly. Part of the reason we’re so afraid to say no is that we don’t want to hurt the other person, stir the pot, or find ourselves embroiled in a tiff.
However, if we’re careful to refuse the request itself, reiterating the fact that it has absolutely nothing to do with the person at all, we’re far more likely to have a smooth encounter.
For example, if someone is inviting you out to a loud and raucous party and that’s simply not your style anymore, refuse the setting, not the person’s gracious invitation.
Let them know that you’ve already planned a quiet evening at home that night, but hope they have the best time, and see if you can nail down another time to hang out.
Prepare for the Conversation
You don’t have to prepare notes or anything. But, the best way to make this easy on yourself is to prepare a little bit. As we know, few conversations in life ever go exactly how we play them out in our heads.
Still, you’d do well to come with a few prepared words so you can stand firm and refuse to waver on your needs. The less prepared you are, the more likely you are to waver, which is something you might end up bitterly regretting.
5 Tips to Cope with Things You Can’t Control
Ever feel the need to control everything around you? It’s a common struggle, but managing this urge is crucial for well-being. While you can’t control the world, you can control your reactions. Learn practical strategies to help you navigate life’s uncertainties with resilience and balance.
