The Art Of Saying NO: How To Stand Your Ground, Reclaim Your Time And Energy, And Refuse To Be Taken For Granted (Without Feeling Guilty!) (The Art Of Living Well)

An excellent book for high school graduates, especially for those who are acquiescent to everyone around them. We all need to stand for what we believe is right.

I really wish I would’ve found this book sooner! When I started to become sober curious I was looking for ways to set boundaries. This book really puts things in perspective and I highly would recommend it if you are wanting to set boundaries in a healthy way. I reread this book twice because it’s good to do maintenance on lessons you learned. I now have no problems saying no for the past few years because of this book. As mentioned in the title, it’s a fairly easy read with good information that’s right to the point.

As the author himself points out, this is a very quick read, but also a manual to reference, as needed (often! ;)) At first, I kept thinking: I wish I could send this book to my younger self... but then I had to admit that I truly needed all of my life lessons and experiences in order to fully understand and appreciate the importance of boundaries and the art of saying no. I celebrate some people's innate ability to uphold personal boundaries (AND to respect the boundaries of others!). But many of us have to unlearn years of unhealthy conditioning... It'd be great if young people can read and apply the principles and strategies presented in this book early on in life. The book is very well-written in an easy-flowing conversational language. It is very well organized. The reason why I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that some of the strategies have very subtle distinctions and may, in fact, seem like they are contradicting each other (e.g. "resist the urge to offer excuses" vs. "describe your lack of bandwidth")... Also, it is truly an ART of saying "no", and art, in general, is difficult to teach - in addition to guidance, art takes talent and lots of practice too. So, it's not really on the author then, it's on the reader to take the material of this book to a 5-star level of practice :) I hope I can come back and upgrade this rating to 5 stars soon... :)

As people pleaser myself, the Art of Saying No can helped me overcome this attitude by simply applying the easy-to-grasp tips and strategies this book offers. Learning to set boundaries is indeed essential to staying sane and functional in our everyday life, without the burden of guilt, stress or the fear of being selfish.

I was more expecting this book to be somewhat of an insight to the psychology and effects of saying no. It is more just affirming that it is ok to say no and giving different scenarios and ways to say no it those situations. Its debatable how effective some of those resonses may be. If anything from reading this book I learned that I have a lot easier time saying no than I thought I did. In the vast majority of the situations brought up I would have no problem saying no. But many of them are situations where I can't imagine someone saying yes. Maybe the examples are exagerated so the reader can see how saying no makes sense. But a work colleague asking you to do their job for them because you have a background in that job, and then you stopping your job to full on do it, just doesn't make sense. (one example from the book.) It is short and easy to read, so its not too much time suck if you think it might be helpful.

Was able to adapt a very strong proclamation about the things I “won’t” do and why.

Not only have I purchased a book for myself, I have purchased a book for a handful of friends who struggle with the same assertiveness issues. This book touches on the mini categories that could play your everyday life, and situation, but you encounter on a regular basis and how to handle them with grace. If someone who is on a healing journey currently (and likely forever) this is a phenomenal read - it can be revisited and reread countless times as it’s a blueprint to taking back your peace by learning to say “no”. 10/10 read from my friends and I!

Doing the 75 hard challenge, so I’m going out of my comfort zone & reading personal development books. shout out to my fellow people pleasers— this book is for us!! It honestly seems silly to read a book about how to say no when the concept is so basic, but the feelings and emotions involved are not as simple. This is one of many books I will be reading to gain some tips on having better boundaries, but a good place to start!

In a simple and practical way it gives you techniques about how go say “No” and increase your productivity and self confidence.

Read and make.

Libro necesario para quien quiere aprender a decir NO sin culpa, y a priorizar sus necesidades.

Enjoyable is maybe the last word to think of with the title of this book. Damon Zahariades makes the topic accessible in a clear and light fashion. Suddenly the previously heavy feeling about saying no can be released. I can understand so much better and feel strengthened to develop new habits. Thank you so much for sharing this story!

It helped me understand how to put my priorities first and know when I am helping and when I am being taken advantage of.