Have you ever said “YES” when you should just say NO?

Have you ever made a commitment that, at the time, seemed like a GOOD idea till the deadline comes and you find yourself stressed and OVER-committed?  Are you a “people pleaser” that needs to learn how to effectively just say NO to things that cause stress?

According to the dictionary, “over commitment” means: To bind or obligate (oneself, for example) beyond the capacity for realization.

When you are “bound” it means that you are caught in a situation that you can’t escape. It is a form of bondage that leaves you feeling empty, lost, and often out of control. So why do we choose to over commit ourselves?

Why do we say, “yes” to things we really don’t want to do, even when we know we should JUST SAY NO?

Many people have a problem saying “no” because of an addiction that masks itself in busyness. It is called the “approval addiction”. Individuals who over-commit or take on unrealistic responsibilities are often “people-pleasers” who find their sense of worth in the acceptance of others. If that is you, take a good look in the mirror and say to yourself, “I don’t need people’s approval to be proven GREAT. Perhaps today is a good day to JUST SAY NO.”

Say “No” To Overspending

Much in the same way as many need to be freed from over-committing their time, others need to be freed from overspending their hard earned dollars. Did you know that the average American family overspends by 20% despite their income? That means it doesn’t matter if you make $20,000 a year or $200,000 a year, chances are you will overspend by 20%. And why do we do it? Once again, it all boils down to the need to be accepted, approved, or to achieve a feeling of accomplishment. Next time you feel like you “just HAVE to have those shoes, that TV, that new phone, or a new outfit for your kids” ask yourself if what you really NEED is to just say, “No!”

Say “No” To Overeating

Too much of anything good can be damaging to our career, our relationships, and even our bodies. In my health and wellness program “The Ultimate Body Make-Over”, I spend a great deal of coaching on the topic of food portions, blood types, and how to get to the root of emotional problems that lead to emotional eating. Often times, when I meet someone who has a lack of control in the area of eating, I can find other areas of overindulgence. For example, one young lady who weighed 373 pounds also tended to over pack her car with “excessive” papers, wrappers, and books. Another businessman, who was an over eater, manifested his excessive behavior in over committing in his sales quotas with a desire to please his boss. Unfortunately, in both instances it led to confusion, frustration, and eventual depression.

Overeating can trigger other areas of compulsive behaviors so the next time you sit down to munch on snacks, make a point to put your snacks on a plate instead of eating from the bag or grazing. It is easy to overeat when you don’t realize how much you are actually eating. Be aware of your intake and monitor your portions. When “seconds” are offered, just say, “No, thank you!” and let the extras pass you by. This may be a challenge for those of you who eat to be socially or emotionally accepted.  But remember, you don’t have to be a people-pleaser.

This season, when you are given the change to over commit, overspend, or overeat, take that powerful little word, “No!” out for a spin and watch how it becomes a dynamic key to greater peace and balance.

Just say No!