Hi there

I want to talk about the awesome power of saying “No” to yourself.

The word “no” can indeed be a powerful word when said to others. I looked at this concept in another post - it's here if you haven't seen it yet.

However, saying no to yourself can be an altogether different and often more challenging task.

Saying "No" to yourself is an essential skill for your self-discipline and personal growth.

It involves setting personal boundaries, prioritising your needs (sometimes over the needs of others), and making choices which align with your long-term goals and values.

Here are a few strategies to help you say no to yourself effectively:

1. Identify your priorities: Define what is most important to you in the short and long term. This will help you make decisions that align with your goals and values.
2. Set clear boundaries: Establish boundaries around your time, energy, and resources. Understand what you are willing and not willing to compromise on.
3. Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and impulses when faced with temptations or distractions. Being aware of your patterns can help you recognize when you need to say no to yourself.
4. Delay gratification: Learn to resist immediate gratification in favour of long-term rewards. This could involve postponing purchases, delaying indulgences, or saying no to distractions that hinder your progress.
5. Develop alternative strategies: Instead of simply saying no to yourself, find alternative ways to meet your needs or desires. For example, if you want to indulge in unhealthy food, find healthier alternatives that still satisfy your cravings.
6. Seek support: Surround yourself with people who support your goals and understand the importance of saying no to oneself. They can provide encouragement and hold you accountable.

Remember, saying no to yourself is not about depriving or punishing yourself. It’s about making choices that align with your values and contribute to your overall well-being and success.

BTW I’m fully taking all this advice very much to my own heart as I mentioned in the companion article.

I had to have a major reprioritisation session. I find it far easier to say no to others than to myself. This can leave me with hundreds of great ideas for projects and zero capacity to do them. This leads to me spinning my wheels and can trigger a major emotional downer if I don’t take care to manage it.

I’ve learned the hard way to say no to myself as and when required.



Hopefully that's offered you some food for thought.

All the very best to you and yours

Andrew D Pope.