Saying ‘NO’
Saying ‘No’ is ok. Now for some people that might be difficult to hear. Honestly though, if you are someone that always says ‘Yes’ and are starting to feel the impact of that then you need to put NO into your vocabulary for your own sanity and wellbeing.
Saying "no" is an important skill that allows us to establish healthy boundaries, prioritise our wellbeing, and maintain a sense of control over our time and energy.
Can it be beneficial to say no or will people think you are unhelpful and not supportive? Here are a few reasons why saying "no" can be beneficial:
Protecting Your Time: By saying "no" to commitments that don't align with your priorities or values, you free up valuable time to focus on activities that truly matter to you. This helps prevent overcommitment and allows for better time management. Working in HR we are generally very busy so if you are doing something you really shouldn’t be doing then it only adds to your workload unncessarily.
Preserving Your Energy: Constantly saying "yes" to every request or invitation can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Saying "no" helps you conserve your energy and avoid spreading yourself too thin, allowing you to be more present and engaged in the tasks and relationships that are most important to you.
Maintaining Boundaries: Setting boundaries through the use of "no" is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and self-respect. It communicates your limits and helps others understand and respect your needs and priorities. There have been times through my career that people have asked me to do things or asked me questions when really they should be speaking to the HR Shared Service centre, for example. I knew the answer but I also knew if I answered it they would keep coming back to me because it was a quicker route. So I redirected them to the correct place.
Reducing Stress: Overcommitting or taking on too many obligations can lead to increased stress levels. Saying "no" when necessary helps reduce overwhelm and allows you to maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Enhancing Self-Care: Prioritising self-care requires saying "no" to things that may interfere with your wellbeing. It allows you to prioritise activities that promote physical and mental health, such as exercise, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.
Saying "no" doesn't mean you're being selfish or unhelpful. It's an act of self-care and self-respect that allows you to maintain a healthy balance in your life and ensure that your time and energy are spent on the things that truly matter.