Being the Best Version of yourself will require your ability to say “no” to others so that there is room to say yes to yourself. While saying "yes" can be a positive trait in many situations, consistently agreeing to everything without considering the consequences can have several negative effects which may cause the following symptoms:
Overcommitment: If you have the time, energy or resources to spare, by all means go ahead and do it, but know that saying yes to every request or opportunity may lead to overcommitment. This can result in increased stress, fatigue, and the inability to fulfill promises or meet expectations.
Burnout: Constantly saying yes to others' needs or demands may lead to burnout. It can be emotionally and physically draining to always prioritize others over yourself. Burnout can carry the same results as overcommitment but also irritability and severe lack of interest in the things you once loved.
Neglecting Personal Priorities: Always saying yes to external requests might cause you to neglect your own priorities, obligations, goals, and self-care. This can lead to dissatisfaction, chaos in your own life and a sense of unfulfillment.
Reduced Effectiveness: Overextending yourself by saying yes to too many things can reduce your effectiveness in fulfilling your commitments. Quality may suffer when quantity becomes a primary focus.
Difficulty Setting Boundaries: Saying yes all the time may indicate difficulty in setting boundaries. This can lead to others taking advantage of your willingness to help, and it might be challenging to assert yourself when needed.
Resentment: Over time, consistently saying yes when you really want to say no may lead to resentment. This resentment can build up and cause harm personally, spiritually and professionally.
Lack of Focus: Constantly saying yes to various tasks or projects may lead to a lack of focus on what truly matters. You may find yourself spread too thin across different responsibilities and therefore lack the ability to fully concentrate.
Missed Opportunities: Ironically, always saying yes may cause you to miss out on valuable opportunities because you're stretched too thin or unable to take on new challenges.
Stunted Personal Growth: By always conforming to others' wishes, you might hinder your personal and professional growth. Saying yes to every request might prevent you from taking risks or pursuing your own ambitions.
Diminished Decision-Making Power: Constantly agreeing with others without expressing your own opinions or preferences can diminish your decision-making power. It might be challenging to assert yourself or make choices that align with your values.
It's important to strike a balance between being helpful and setting healthy boundaries. Learning to say no when necessary is crucial for maintaining your well-being. As we talk about in chapter 11 in The Best Version of Me, there is value in learning to say "No".
