This is one of those life lessons that you could spend your entire life learning and admittedly it has taken me until this major milestone in my life, to really grasp the concept!

If you like me are a bit of a people-pleaser you will understand how hard it is to say no to people, especially if you are someone, who always puts the needs of others before your own. The one fundamental flaw with this approach to life is a difficultly to say no to people, both in your personal and professional capacity.

So what is the big deal you may ask? Well the biggest problem with not being able to say no, is that you often compromise yourself in the hopes that others will like and accept you. Yikes! Surely nobody wants that for themselves!

Well in a word NO.

This is where it becomes a bit trickier because in your personal life, saying no is somewhat simpler, it can however mean having to disappointment those you love, like saying no to the kids when they want to buy something from the store or have a friend over or turning down a dinner invitation because you are exhausted. Most times people do understand where you are coming from and you realize the world will not come to an end if you say no to them.

The more difficult area in which too put your foot down, and say no, is in your professional life. I see it every day when people compromise who they are just to get ahead and please no judgment, we are probably all guilty of this at some point in our life. If you are happy with this and you can sleep at night, be my guest! However for me, this is no longer acceptable, especially when it starts affecting the plan and purpose for your life.

It is great to feel validated and wanted by always pleasing others but not at the cost of your integrity! You have to realize that saying no is ok and if people like you less because of it, well then too bad, those who are meant to be in your life will stick around no matter what!