The power of the word No and how to make it your friend
There are many articles online about the power of the word NO. Briefly put, they either focus on two things:
1. Taking back your power by saying NO to things, people, jobs etc.; to not waste your time and focus on things that are important to you.
Or
2. The psychological negative effect it has on people, how it slams shut the window of opportunity.
While both are valid points, I believe there is one factor or power if you so will, of the word NO that is often overlooked:
The power NO gives you to take control of a situation, the fire and motivation it can ignite within you. The power of reverse psychology!
Throughout my life, I have heard that word more often than I sometimes cared for and in retrospect, I realised it was always a self-reflection of how the people felt who told me and not my limitations. Thankfully even from a young age I unknowingly always used it as a source of power to propel me forward.
Although not every NO opened new doors for me, I am truly grateful for every NO I received because it helped me grow and challenge myself to do things, I didn’t think I was capable of. It helped me push my boundaries and taught me to never give up without a fight.
Do not mistake every NO as an invitation to fight for something or someone, there are times when the word NO truly has your or the other persons best intention in mind and that must be respected.
The NO I am referring to is the limitation that others or sometimes even you yourself put on your shoulders when it comes to an opportunity to grow. It is important to choose your fights wisely, only fight for what you truly want and or believe in. Then you will be able to harness a power within you that comes with the word NO. People will use the word NO or you CANNOT lightly because they are afraid it will cause them extra work, it will change their world view, because it forces them outside of their comfort zone, but sometimes that is exactly where your home should be. The word NO can make you unleash a creative side of you, a dynamism that you were unaware of. How often do you think the legendary entrepreneurs, philanthropist and businessmen and woman have heard that word and it just made them work even harder to obtain results.
Use the words NO and CANNOT as a sign to work harder and to keep digging for your gold, whatever it may be…
