The Power of No 

Karen Karsten

    Does your automatic "yes" mechanism kick in when someone asks you to do something? Once the word is out it's pretty hard to back off and say no. Besides, you don't want to look like a jerk, do you?  The same thing is true of choices we make about our spending--do you say yes when you should say no to something you are buying. If you are a chronic yes'er, it's not too late to change.

   Start by saying no intentionally three times per day. Start small--say no to plastic bags at the grocery store. The more you practice, the easier it will be. Own the age-old slogan, "just say no."

   It is so important to say "No" these days. Until we learn to say "No" we continue to be stressed and overwhelmed with too much to do in not enough time. That causes our own priorities like sane finances, health, quality time with family, or yourself to suffer.

   No wonder kids go through a phase where their favorite word is "No". That's because No is a power word. It gives a definite sense of self. And this means that saying "No" is also an ideal opportunity to rediscover your sense of who you are! Say no to that cute skirt or shoes that are on sale.

  So, whether you learn to say "No" more often, or just learn to say "Yes" on your terms, release yourself from the burden of pleasing others and give yourself more time and freedom to do what matters to you. So let's get started! Click through here to get a really cool set of worksheets on the Power of No (and Yes).