In today’s world, everyone is just running after their diaries. In between the already planned appointments we hectically try to squeeze in more – unplanned – things. The colleague who “just now” needs some advice, the employee who wants to discuss a private problem “briefly”, the coffee machine that needs to be replaced or the email that came in and is urgently waiting for an answer. Somehow we manage to do everything – or not – until we either fall into bed completely exhausted, or with our head still spinning – late in the evening. The one who definitely always gets a raw deal is ourselves, while we try to please everyone else.
Why is it so hard for us to just say no? It’s really worth thinking about. Every time we say yes to something that requires time and attention from us, we take on another task in the fear of not satisfying someone else.
However, the one we do not do justice to is ourselves.
But what happens when we suddenly say no? Observe how a NO from another person affects you. Suppose you ask your colleague to help you with a presentation tonight that you have to finish by tomorrow. Your colleague, who used to help you willingly, replies in a friendly but firm way that she will meet an old fellow student tonight who happens to be in town and is therefore indispensable. I’m sure you will understand. And I’m sure you will respect that. Your colleague’s “NO” will make you respect her. Respect that she has clear priorities and that this time you are not at the top.
The same thing happens when you say No to others. You gain respect. For yourself and your priorities. The next time someone tries to charge you with another task, knowing that you have clear priorities, they will think twice before asking you – or maybe someone else. And that would be something for you.
Your head will spin one time less. Bingo!