Post-it Sunday 10/6/24- No is a complete sentence

The gown card reads “No is a complete sentence.”

It is human nature to explain why you are saying no.

Stop.

You don’t owe anyone an answer. Because no is a complete sentence.

There are situations when it isn’t appropriate. Like at work. In the middle of an operation, I would never tell a doctor no to a reasonable request. I have told a doctor no when the OR board was busting and each room was running full out with no end in sight and they asked for another room. I laughed and said no.

This is your work life. No is sometimes still appropriate. Yes, but is also appropriate.

However, I am talking to the outside of work you. It is okay to utilize the two-letter answer.

When you are uncomfortable.

When you want to go home and read with a cat on your lap.

When you don’t want to do the requested thing.

When the requested thing doesn’t work in your schedule, your life, your peace.

After all, around the age of 2 toddlers start to learn to assert their independence by saying no. A lot. A lot, a lot.

We can learn a lot from toddlers. Just like they are learning from us.

But naps, naps are awesome.

Remember that no is a complete sentence and you are, most likely, an adult and you can say no.

Let’s practice.

Do you want to work extra tonight? (insert sob story here)

You don’t really want to work extra as you have plans with your significant other/best friend/cat.

It is okay to say no here.

With no explanation.

No is a complete sentence.