What a Baby Knows...

One of the first words a baby utters is "No." Sure, he might say "Mama" or "Dada" first, but one of the first words he'll utter after that is "No." Next, he'll start saying it and saying it often. It's a word kids hear often so it makes sense that they say it. Babies and toddlers are constantly told what not to do, not to touch and what to stay away from. So it's one of the words they are most familiar with.

Yet as we mature, it gets harder to say No. There are consequences. There are hurt feelings. There are disappointments. So, often we start saying 'Yes' when we'd rather say 'No.' As a result,

We get overwhelmed because we take on too much and end up overworking ourselves. 

• We build up resentment because we are now stuck doing things we didn't want to do in the first place.
• We say "Yes" to keep the peace and end up causing more problems down the line.

"No" might never be for us, the fun game it is to babies and toddlers; but it is a word some of us need to get reacquainted with.

First of all, No is necessary. People who are miffed or upset because you've said "No" to a request will get over it. In fact, when people ask, they realize that there is a possibility that the answer might be "No." Saying No to a request that you don't have the time, the money, the ability or other means to fulfill just makes sense.

Then again, you might not need to say "No" at all. Maybe you want to counter the request with a counteroffer. No, you cannot do what is being asked of you, but here is what you can do or who you can recommend to help. This way you are offering you assistance without overextending yourself. 

Think about it. In someways a No can be just as empowering and positive as a Yes!