The Power of "No"

 

Dover-USA

Most children go through a phase where their favorite word is 'No." That's because no is a power word. It gives us a definite sense of self.  This means saying "No" is an ideal opportunity to rediscover your priorities and sense of who you are.  

Until we learn to say "No"we continue to be overwhelmed with too much to do and not enough time. Have you noticed that it's usually important things impacted by not saying "No", like quality time with self or family, our health and our stress levels? 

Whether you learn to say "No" more often, or just learn to say "Yes" on your terms, it's time to release yourself from the burden of pleasing others. Give yourself time and freedom to be, and do, what matters to you.  

When is it OK to say 'NO"?

You ABSOLUTELY MUST Say "No":  

• When you're stressed or overwhelmed 
• When you're already doing too much 
• When you're tired or sick 

And REMEMBER 

You always HAVE A RIGHT to Say "No":  

• When it's someone else's issue 
• When you feel taken for granted 
• When it's something you don't want to do 
• When there's something you'd MUCH rather do
• When it takes away from your values and wishes 
• When you deserve or need some time to yourself 

1.  What in your life do YOU need to say "No" to?  write down whatever pops into your head below. 

1.     
2.         
3.           
4.        
5.           
6.    

2.  What currently stops me from saying "No" to these things?  

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

What I've noticed about myself from this exercise is ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

"There are only two words that will always lead you to success.  Those words are yes and no.  Undoubtedly, you've mastered saying yes.  So start practicing saying no.  Your goals depend on it!-Jack Canfield 

Professor Ira Roach III is the founder of Focus Forward Global Civility Movement and the Senior Pastor of the City of Refuge Church Inc. He is also a Vice- Chancellor at United Graduate College and Seminary International and founder  of Ubuntu Graduate College and International Seminary,  He holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, Christian Education and a Certified Christian Coach.  

Focusing Strategy To Get Unstuck And Move Forward

Dover, USA 

Focus Forward Civility was created by Professor Ira Roach III under the mentorship of HRH Dr. Clyde Rivers and I Change Nations.  The Focus Forward Philosophy is: builds custom programs to move communities forward  towards sustainable life skills.  Our methodology: ALL-IN,  And we believe with these tools "anyone can move forward." 

75% feel "stuck" personally and professionally-Oracle 

The COVID-19 pandemic left people feeling lonely and disconnected from their own lives, according to a new study by Oracle and Workplace Intelligence.   

The study of more than 14,600 workers across 13 countries found that while people feel stuck in their personal and professional lives they are ready to regain control of their futures. 

Here is the strategy to begin the process of getting unstuck. Let's begin with these three exercises:

GETTING STARTED: DROP YOUR BAGGAGE 

Many of us carry around emotional baggage that prevents us from pursuing our dreams and moving forward. 

1A.  Reflect on your own life and think about the baggage that you need to unload so that you can grow and go forward. 

 Write down three things that are holding you back, and then reflect on how you should get rid of them.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Keep this list handy to remind yourself that you have dropped this baggage and you are now free to fight for what you deserve in life and focus forward! Who Do You Want to Be?  You have to be confident that you deserve something before you can truly dedicate yourself to getting it.

1B.  So, what type of person do you want to become? How do you want to change? On the lines below, describe the NEW YOU, and keep the description handy so that you can check it every day to see how you have progressed in moving forward with focus.  

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

FOCUS FORWARD GOAL GAUGE 

1C.  To get a feeling for what it is that you REALLY want moving forward, go through the following list and rate each item as a number one, two or three goal with one being top priority in your life.