The Power of “No”

 

Why Saying “No” is important ?

In an interview, President Obama once reflected, “One of the things I’m proud of in my presidency is that I’ve learned to say no. I always try to say no to things that distract me from my core mission.” “The difference between the successful and the very successful is simple.

The very successful say no. They say no almost every time.” -Warren Buffett

Steve Jobs also mentioned once, “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. Focus is not saying yes to one thing. It is saying no to everything else.” It was his “no” that made a big “yes” to his innovations.

Your Peace is important

Always remember, your peace is more important than their expectations. And human expectations are not loyal to anyone. You may be the sweetest mango on the tree—and still, someone will hate mangoes. You are not a product of others’ hopes. You are the architect of your own life. Try to say “No”; start saying “No.” It is the key.

Great People who had changed the World by saying “No”

Ludwig van Beethoven, the great musician, lost his hearing. His friends suggested him to retire. But Beethoven said, “No,” and continued his musical journey. One of his most iconic symphonies, the Ninth Symphony, was created after losing his hearing. Albert Einstein was offered to lead nuclear projects by many countries. But his humanist conscience refused, saying, “No.”

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a Roman patrician, statesman, and military leader. During a military crisis the Roman Senate appointed him as the dictator of Rome. He was enjoying full authority over all the resources of the Romans. Cincinnatus took this opportunity to reorganize his army and made a decisive victory in just 16 days. What did he do afterwards? He resigned and said “No” to his dictatorship and returned to his farm.

George Washington also followed the same path. He was the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary War and led the American Colonies to victory. After that he resigned, said “No” to politics, and went to his farm. Even after serving two terms of his presidency, he voluntarily stepped down and went to his farm life.