Festive invite overload? How to get better at saying no
Saying no can be uncomfortable. Many of us were raised to do as we are told, and as adults we find it difficult to go against the way we were raised.
“We equate harmony with good and challenge with bad,” says Dr Sah. “Kids get a lot of training in adaptability, but they also need training in challenge.”
It’s crucial to reshape how we view and define saying no. Viewing this as a positive action rather than a negative one can help you gain more control over decisions.
“To challenge is to act in line with your true values, especially when there is pressure to do so.”
The question to ask when deciding whether to say yes or no is whether you are going against your values.
These are often expressed in single, powerful words such as honesty, compassion, or equality. However, we may have difficulty implementing these in daily life.
Establishing your values is the first step to maintaining them. “If we write them down, research shows we are more likely to act on them,” says Dr Sah.
