“No” Is a Complete Sentence

Toddlers use it ALL the time in their ever-growing vocabulary, but for some adults, it can be really hard to just say, “No.” Perhaps we’re afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or maybe we’re worried about trying to fit in. (Yeah, a lot of us still worry about that, even as grown-ups.) But the truth is, you are a badass adult now who can make her own decisions and confidently stick by them. If saying “no” still makes you feel uncomfortable, here are a few tips to help you effectively utilize this powerful little word. 

• Be polite. Just because you’re declining to partake in whatever is being offered or asked of you doesn’t mean you have to be rude. A friendly, “No, thank you!” should be enough to deter the family member offering you an overwhelming portion of high-carb casserole at holiday dinner or a friend asking if you want to split a dessert that you really have no interest in.  

• Stick to your guns. While being friendly is preferred, it is absolutely okay to stand your ground if someone is really pressuring you to do something you’d rather not do. We see it all the time in the world of wellness. As you start to make choices that lend themselves to a healthier lifestyle, others may challenge your decisions to cut out or limit your intake of certain foods and beverages. They may be jealous of your commitment to change or insecure in their own choices, but whatever it is they’re feeling, they should definitely not be projecting it onto you. Which leads us to our next point…

• Don’t shrink yourself or change your answer just to make others feel comfortable. If someone is really putting the pressure on thick, it may be time to reevaluate those you keep in your inner circle. Do your best to surround yourself with people who support your choices and strive to help you achieve your goals, not put roadblocks in your way. When others give push-back, especially family and friends, it can be tempting to go with the flow and do as they say to avoid conflict. DON’T DO IT. The longer you allow others to boss you around, the harder it will be to stand up for yourself down the road.

If you find that you’re still struggling when it comes to the art of saying, “no,” working with a Moxifit Coach could be exactly what you need to get over the hump. Our Coaches are equipped with tools and resources to support you through your weight loss journey from start to finish, including the inevitable hard days. Connect with a clinic to get paired with a Moxifit Coach today!