When someone tells you “no” it creates an expectation.
“Don’t draw on that part of the paper.”
“No, you cannot leave the room right now.”
“No, that food is only for the adults.”
Now, every move you make you expect to hear “no,” or even if you don’t expect it, in the back of your mind you know it’s a possibility. You live in fear of messing up, and someone telling you to get back in line and do what you’re told.
While these little asks don’t seem consequential, if you always hear “no,” what do you expect to hear when you ask if you can follow your dreams and become a surgeon? Why would the answer suddenly be “yes?”
It’s important to set boundaries and say “no,” but it’s also important to create a mindset of abundance and possibility by finding solutions. Rather than “no,” give an explanation of why a certain action isn’t advisable, or better yet, let them try and learn for themselves.
Don’t become a “no” person. See solutions and create possibilities.