Have you tried saying NO to things that life throws at you that you do not like? Or are you still saying YES because you have no choice?
When I started working for a call center, I had no idea what I was getting into. All I know is that I have to get a job because I have a family to support. It was almost a year from my graduation rites and I was still looking for work.
So, just armed with knowing how to speak English and the knowledge that I’ll be talking to customers, I took my chances in one of the pioneers of call centers in the Philippines.
As I stepped into the call center, the buzzing atmosphere and the constant sound of ringing phones were overwhelming. Despite the initial challenges and the uncertainty of what lay ahead, I was determined to give my best. Gradually, I became more adept at handling customer inquiries, resolving issues, and developing my communication skills. The experience taught me resilience and the value of perseverance during tough times. I realized that this job not only provided for my family but also helped me grow both personally and professionally. Each day brought new experiences and opportunities for growth, and I am grateful for the lessons I learned during my time at the call center.
And from then on, I had progressed my career from an agent to becoming a workforce management professional who, for those who do not know, is the one who determines how many people do we need to hire, keep, and/or let go. As a workforce management professional, I have been responsible for forecasting staffing needs, creating schedules, monitoring attendance, and adjusting staffing levels as necessary to meet service level and budget targets. This role requires a deep understanding of the business’s operations, the ability to analyze data and workforce trends, and the skill to make strategic decisions that impact the organization’s performance and the employees’ well-being. It’s a challenging yet rewarding position that plays a crucial role in the success of an organization.
As of this moment, my entire career is all about saying YES. Following what my supervisor told me. Doing things that the manager was asking me to. Acting differently to manage the perception of others. And so on.
Eventually, this created a very stressful situation for me. Listening to what other people say and changing. Doing things to their liking. Being the person people expect you to be. These are just some that took a toll in me.
It’s unfortunate when we find ourselves in situations where we feel compelled to constantly say yes and conform to the expectations of others. This pattern can be draining and may lead to feelings of disconnection from our true desires and ambitions. It’s essential to find a way to assert our own needs and aspirations while maintaining professionalism and cooperation in the workplace.
One approach is to practice assertiveness, which involves expressing our thoughts and needs in a direct and respectful manner. By communicating openly with supervisors and managers, it’s possible to establish boundaries and express our perspectives on tasks and projects. Additionally, seeking opportunities for personal and professional development can empower us to take control of our career path and pursue roles and tasks that align with our genuine interests and strengths. Remember, it’s not about always saying no, but about finding a balance that honors both our own ambitions and the needs of the organization.
Before you get those eyebrows crossed because of what you read and say that it is my fault for being such a person, I ask you first to look back on your career up to now and think of the times when you were the one in control of the work in accordance with what you want. I bet there are just very few and little moments or even, you can not remember anything at all.
Now, what I am trying to say here is the moment you say NO (well, not disrespectful to your boss) to things around you (not just work) and only say YES to things and everyone that matters to you, personally, you will have a more peaceful life enjoying doing things that you put value on.
The essence of learning to say “no” without being disrespectful and embracing the power of “yes” towards the things and people that truly matter in both personal and professional spheres is a fundamental principle of leading a more fulfilling and peaceful life. When you prioritize your commitments and responsibilities based on personal values and significance, you create a life characterized by genuine happiness and contentment. It allows you to invest your time and energy in endeavors that resonate with your beliefs and aspirations, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This approach enables you to savor every moment and activity, knowing that they align with your authentic desires and contribute positively to your overall well-being.
There comes a point in our lives that we all have to make a realization of what is important for us. What are the things we consider that will bring impact to our lives and to those people around us are the things we value. Thus, when we get to this point, we can honestly say NO to things that we do not care about and only say YES to everything we want. This transition signifies a moment of clarity, a shift in perspective that allows us to discern between the essential and the superfluous. It’s the moment when we realize the power we hold to prioritize our own happiness and well-being, as well as the positive influence we can have on the lives of others. Saying NO to the unnecessary enables us to focus our energy on endeavors that truly resonate with our aspirations and values, empowering us to wholeheartedly embrace the opportunities and experiences that align with our authentic desires. By consciously choosing to prioritize our passions and the things that truly matter, we shape a life that is rich in meaning and fulfillment, resonating authenticity and purpose in every aspect. This intentional approach to decision-making becomes a catalyst for personal growth and genuine connections, fostering a sense of contentment and empowerment that permeates every facet of our being.
Let me rephrase it a little. It is saying NO to those that you think will not bring you closer to your goals and only saying yes to those that will. We are still all different so my NOs will be different from your NOs.
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