Category: Stress Management & Lifestyle

The words “yes” and “no” are extremely powerful words that carry strong feelings and emotions. These can even be life changing words. But these words are also the most misused words in our language today. Because of this, you may have what I call “yes and no confusion.” Here’s how to tell if you do and how to avoid misusing “yes” and “no.”

Starting and ending with the word “Yes”

Consider all of the times you’ve said yes to an extra task, project, activity, commitment or responsibility. Maybe you said yes when you were asked to stay late at work, help a friend complete a project, or take on a task you could have handed over to someone else.

Of course your intentions were honorable, but if you have ever said yes when you were already overscheduled, overextended and overwhelmed with what was on your plate, then you have misused the word.

You probably say yes for many reasons. Maybe you say it because:

• You want  to feel part of the group or team
• You want to feel you are contributing, helping, giving
• You want to feel needed, necessary, valuable
• You believe it’s the right thing to do
• You believe it’s the only solution
• You think it’s being nice

Now, here’s something to think about. When you’re already overscheduled and overwhelmed, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve neglected your own self-care. With extra responsibilities, there’s no longer any time for your workout, planning a healthy meal, getting a haircut, that long overdue manicure, or that extra hour of sleep. Taking care of yourself gets pushed even further down on your list of priorities.  Continue reading “Two Life Changing Words: How “Yes” and “No” are Misused”