What is the "Yes" Stress Trap?
Have you ever been, or are you now in, a stressful situation that you could have avoided if only you would have said "No" instead of "Yes"? For example: Did you take on an extra assignment and you can not realistically complete that assignment and your other obligations within the specified time? Did you agree to do something for someone and now you are struggling with your choice because if you do that particular thing, you know that it will be in opposition with your best interest? Or did you agree to do something for someone and you really do not want to do it and now you are wishing that you had said "No" instead of "Yes"?
If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, you have fallen in the "Yes" stress trap and you need to get out of it as quickly as possible unless you run the risk of setting yourself up to take on more than you can handle. I know several people, including myself, who have fallen into the stress trap of saying "Yes" when they should have said "No" because they did not want to disappoint others.
How To Get Out of the "Yes" Trap A.S.A.P.
So now you are in a situation that you could have avoided if only you said "No" instead of "Yes" and you are looking for a way out. Do not fret; there is something that you can do to get out of your stressful situation immediately. This action has been around since the beginning of time and the action is " Change your mind". Although changing your mind may not be the most polite action to take, it is your right and one in which you should take as a last resort.
Whenever you take the "I changed my mind route" talk your decision over with the other invested parties and explain to them that you made an unhealthy choice and your choice is causing you to experience unbearable stress. This may disappoint the person who you did not want to disappoint in the first place but the results will be successful. You will have succeeded in removing yourself from the stressful situation.
Don't Be a People Pleaser !
In the future, it is important that you evaluate your situation before you take on responsibilities that you are unable to fulfill. Also if you have taken on a task which you are not able to complete, please make sure that you voice your decision early on so that you can give the other persons involved enough time to make other arrangements.
Finally, do not live your life as a "People Pleaser" especially if pleasing others causes you stress. You are not obligated to say "Yes" to everybody who asks you to do something just because you do not want to disappoint them. The sooner you start putting into practice telling people "No" the better your life will be. Remember, you were created to live your life with inner peace and joy and it is your job to take a stand and ensure that you do not put yourself in situations which are in conflict with your inner state of peace and joy.
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