Member-only story
Do You Have a Spine? The Art of Saying No
Imagine this: you’re swamped with work, barely keeping your head above water, and just as you’re about to take a breath, a colleague walks over.
With a hopeful glint in their eye, they ask for a “small favor” — one that’s anything but small.
You pause, your heart races, and even though every fiber of your being screams “no,” you mutter, “Sure, I’ll see what I can do.” As they walk away, relief spreading across their face, you’re left wondering why it’s so hard to say that one simple word: no.
Many of us know this problem well: it’s hard to stand up for ourselves and say no. Being assertive doesn’t mean you’re being mean or selfish. It’s about looking out for yourself and your needs. Saying no is very important with everything asking for our attention and effort.
The People-Pleaser Pandemic
Nowadays, more people than ever feel pressured constantly to put others first. This isn’t just about being nice; it’s become an ongoing issue for many. People pleasers often seek everyone’s approval because they fear rejection or disagreements. This need to make others happy can hurt their happiness, relationships, and career progress.
Take Sarah, for example. She’s a committed worker, always ready to help, and takes on more than she can…