Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of learning to say "no" to others in order to prioritize one's own goals and well-being, suggesting it as a key strategy for personal success and self-respect.

Abstract

The author argues that saying "yes" to everyone is not a mandatory habit but a choice that can lead to being taken advantage of, especially by close relations. Highlighting the end of the year as a time for reflection, the article encourages readers to start setting boundaries in the coming year by learning to decline requests that do not align with their personal objectives. The article draws on Warren Buffett's success as an example of the benefits of focusing on personal interests by saying "no" to distractions. It suggests that saying "no" can lead to better health, increased wealth, and more time for personal pursuits, while also reducing stress. The author acknowledges the difficulty in changing one's behavior from being a "yes man" to setting personal boundaries but insists that it is a necessary step for self-improvement and achieving one's goals. The article concludes by urging readers to be strong and to let go of relationships that do not respect their newfound assertiveness.

Opinions

The author believes that saying "no" is crucial for personal growth and success.
Close relationships can be the source of abuse and manipulation, making it essential to establish boundaries.
Learning to say "no" is linked to better personal outcomes, including health and wealth.
People are likely to continue taking advantage of others if they know they will always receive a "yes."
The end of the year is presented as an opportune moment to start asserting oneself and prioritizing personal goals.
The article suggests that readers should not feel guilty about putting their own needs

Why do we always have to say yes to everyone? A habit or a choice?

Saying NO is a must if you genuinely wish to have a successful life!

The truth is NO; we do not have to be yes men or women.

I want to talk to you about family and friends. The people who are the most susceptible to abuse you because of your close relationships.

Everyone knows that when we are abused or used, it is by people close to us most of the time. The closest they are, the more dangerous they can be.

They know how to use us. And, some people are indeed experts in the matter.

It is not always badly intentional but, if you never stand for what you want or don’t, it will never stop.

As we are close to the end of the year and the “Review” time, it might be an excellent opportunity to make a stand for yourself in 2022. Learn to say NO when you need to.

There are plenty of great books about learning to say No.

Warren Buffett’s success is the result that he said no to everything. Everything which is not for his interests.

Yes, I was a «Yes man» for most of my life. I learned late in life that to progress, I had to become a naysayer to all the things which drive me away from my goals.

Soon as I started to say no, I shocked people around me. They weren’t used to that. That one change in my behaviour changed everything.

Better health, wealthier, more time for me, for writing, fewer headaches, and the list goes on.

When you are a «Yes man,» you work on others’ goals, not yours.

It is not to become a selfish person but to respect yourself more than others.

So this next year, do yourself a real favour and take the plunge.

I, god, know that it is not that easy to do. You just need to start by clarifying what is essential for you and rejecting everything else.

Start small, a call to ask you for money; yes again! Try it once, even if it is hard for you. People will not make any efforts by themselves if they know that you will always say yes to their requests. Why should they?

Soon after, you will see the effects. Be strong for yourself.

They will always have good arguments to make you flinch. They surely know your weak spots, and they will use them again, so, this time, be firm and say «NO.» Enough is enough.

Sorry to say that, but if they do not understand your position, it is in your best interests to let them go. They aren’t good enough for you.

Life is hard for everyone sometimes, and we must face our destiny by ourselves, not by trying to find someone else to face it for us!

The new year is coming, and again with some challenges created by this pandemic. It is an excellent opportunity to start learning that saying «no» to someone else’s demands is in your best interests for your future, and you will not become a bad person because of it.

Could you do it for yourself? For your mental health and peace of mind?

On that, I wish you the best of luck!