Hi, I'm Camille Gerace Nitschky, and I want to share Life Hack Number 24: Get Comfortable Saying No.
Saying no is a skill not everyone feels comfortable with, but it’s so important. It starts with knowing your own priorities and values—understanding what you’re willing to give up to help someone else. Personally, I’ve always believed that “no” is a complete sentence. When I say no to someone with sincerity, I’m actually saying yes to myself. It also gives my yes more meaning because it’s thoughtful and intentional.
I’ve noticed that when I’m short with others or quick to anger, it’s often because I haven’t been saying no enough and haven’t taken care of myself. That’s why I use a simple tool I call “checking if I’m in the fog.” Fog stands for fear, obligation, or guilt. Am I saying yes because I’m afraid someone won’t like me if I say no? Because I feel guilty? Or because I feel obligated due to our relationship? Saying yes for any of these reasons doesn’t help anyone and usually leads to half-hearted effort.
It’s okay to pause before answering. Sometimes, I’ll say, “I can’t tell you right now; I need to check my schedule.” This ensures I’m being purposeful and present when I do commit to something. Practicing saying no gets easier over time, and it’s such a valuable skill. It helps set boundaries, align with your values, and make your yes truly meaningful.
So, I encourage you to practice saying no when you need to. Give yourself the space to decide and let go of the habit of automatically saying yes. Your yes will matter so much more when you do.
Thanks for listening, and I hope this life hack brings a little more balance to your life. Have a great day!
