No is definitive. It means “NO!” Right?

When our intuition or gut tells us to go for it, or nudges us we need to listen. You are the best person to advise yourself on matters concerning yourself. If the “no” answer that you received doesn’t feel right, maybe it isn’t. Trust yourself.

I have learned that not all no’s are definitive no’s, and we can learn a thing or two from all types of no’s that we encounter.

You concluded NO

An extensive decision making process brought you to conclude that the best choice for you was to give a no answer. Others go through the same processes for decision making. If you intuition tells you to try again or give additional information to the person or group that gave you the “no” answer, go for it. I often remind myself; the worse thing that can happen is that they say no, nothing more!

NO, but

Consider when you are at work and you and your coworkers have agreed upon the guidelines of your next project. As project manager, a coworker brings you a fabulous idea for this project. But, it doesn’t fit into the parameters of this project. You answer “no, but” let’s write this up for an enhancement or another project idea.

When you are dealing with “no, buts” don’t forget to keep listening after the no. The but may be an opportunity for you to get your foot in the door or lead you to something that you never imagined.

NO, not now

When my three year old asks for a treat, I often find myself saying “no, not now maybe later.” Patience is the key here. Maybe no is the best answer for us today, but with more education or experience we can have the yes answer that we have been asking for – that “treat!”