Learning to Say "No" to Unreasonable Demands

It was a serendipitous experience that led me to know the great benefits of saying "no" to most of the useless demands made on me. I was going through an article on a serious topic when another content created by a successful person popped up. This content talked at length about the great benefits of saying "no" to people who make unreasonable demands. I started trying the strategy. The greatest benefit I saw was that it saved me from becoming a victim of some of the people's buffoonery. I do not know if I will succeed in continuing this habit. But my in-depth study has taught me a few things that I wish to share here. 

1. By saying "yes" to everything, you will have no room for real "yes" situations.

If you are in the habit of saying "yes" to everything, you will find that you do not have either time or strength to work for situations that very much require your attention. This may be perilous to your growth as an individual as well as a team member. In fact, you may not be able to cater to the needs of your family members, friends, or relatives also. Therefore, the chances of your relationships getting strained increase manifold.

2. By learning to say "no," you will be improving your relationships.

You may be saying "yes" due to the fear that others may mistake you or may think that you are not capable. But if you keep saying "yes" to everything without applying your mind or without gathering all the required information, you are likely to falter and may not fulfill the promises you make. This will spoil your relationship with those to whom you have given your nod. 

On the contrary, if you make an informed decision and say "no" to those demands that are unreasonable or that you can not execute, you will either be improving your relationships or maintaining them well. In fact, people will laud your honesty and forthrightness.

3. By saying "no" to unreasonable demands, you will have fewer regrets.

By learning to say "no" to unreasonable demands, you will feel happier in your life. This is because you will have fewer regrets. On the other hand, if you say "yes" to such demands, you will start regretting when you do not fulfill them. These situations will rob the happiness or the fun quotient of your life. 

How to learn to say "no" to unreasonable demands?

1. The foremost step is to stop saying "yes" immediately when a demand is made.

2. Secondly, you should start seeking time to think things over. But while seeking time, the language and the tone you use should be such that those who make the demands feel that you may say "no" also. The point that is being emphasized here is that you should not clad your language with false hopes and make things foggy for them.

3. Gather as much information as possible about the demands or situations.

4. If your informed research shows that the demand is not worth a "yes," you should use a polite language to explain the reasons that compel you not to agree to their demand. You should be firm also so that you can prevent them from pirouetting around their demand incessantly. Remember that if you practice steadily and consistently, you can acquire a body language of magnificence that can awe people and that can diminish their chagrin even if your response to them is negative. It is true that some people may think that you are being selfish. You need not worry about such folks. But reasonable-minded people will soon realize you are honest and not a hypocrite.