Sometimes NO Can Make You Stronger!
Being accepted within a group of peers is a common trait among all human beings. Whether it is your parents in the workplace or you at school or a sports team, it is everyone's wish to be accepted. The question now becomes - How far will you go to be accepted? Will you lie, cheat, or steal? Will you go against your beliefs and values and make a decision you know is wrong or will result in undesirable consequences? Sound like difficult questions? Think again - we live in a society where you are absolutely free to make decisions on your own. You have the final say.
"Don't always follow the crowd, because nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded." - Yogi Berra
Sometimes it is easy to say no. Others times it's very difficult. But you always have the right to say no - to refuse to do something your peers want to do if you feel uncomfortable about it, or to say no to a friend whenever that friend pressures you to do something that you feel is wrong. Saying no may result in you being less popular in the short-term, however; much better off in the long-term.
There are many ways to say no. Choosing the best way depends on the type of situation you're in and what feels right to you. By thinking about how you might say no in different situations, you'll be well prepared for getting out of those tough spots.
Ten Ways to Say NO
1. Take a stand, and stick up for yourself.
2. Say no and warn about the consequences.
3. Say no but try to add a bit of humor to your refusal.
4. Say no and change the subject or suggest something else.
5. Avoid the pressure.
6. Put on a little pressure of your own.
7. Say no and walk away without explanation.
8. Say no and ask a question.
9. Make an excuse - even if you have to stretch the facts a little.
10. Say no and give a reason for your refusal.
"If all your friends jumped off the bridge - would you?" - Mother's Worldwide
Doing what is right is not a great mystery - almost everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. Yet we continue to see headlines reporting about individuals and groups who have made poor decisions, who didn't say no. Despite all the goofy cliches you may have heard in the past ("Choose to refuse,"Just say no!"), and the desire to feel accepted, the bottom line is you have the right and the power to say no!
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