46 SAY NO WHEN YOU MEAN NO
If we want to feet truly confident, we must break the habit
of trying to please all people, all of the time
Gael Lindenfield
“
”
Think of all the things you have done with or for other people this past
week. Go through the list one by one. Did you:
■ Initiate this activity?
■ Happily go along with someone else’s suggestion?
■ Passively comply against your better judgement or wishes?
316
Just for today say no to all requests made of you unless, of course, it’s
something you especially want to do. Then do the same again
tomorrow. And the day after...
317
Practise saying no clearly and unambiguously whenever a suitable
opportunity arises. Get used to hearing yourself saying it. Smile. Use a
pleasant tone of voice and warm, open body language to show the other
person you aren’t just being unpleasant. If you like, soften your reply so
as not to offend. For instance:
■ ‘I’d prefer not to...’
■ ‘That’ s a great idea, but I’m not interested at present.’
■ ‘I’m sorry to hear about your problem, but I’m not able to help at the
moment.’
Don’t feel obliged to justify your decision.
318
