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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Power of a Positive No summary
How to Say No and Still Get to Yes
22 mins
Brief summary
"The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury is a practical guide on how to respectfully and effectively say no. It teaches readers how to assert their own needs and values while still maintaining positive relationships.
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The Power of a Positive No
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To uncover your underlying yes, you must discover the reason you’re saying no in the first place.
Saying no can be difficult, can’t it? Of course, but it's especially hard when you're addicted to something like alcohol or drugs. Despite knowing that you should say no, it can take years to find the strength to refuse that tantalizing drink.
After many years of addiction, one alcoholic was finally able to quit only when he became a grandfather and desired to be a positive force in his grandchild's life. This reveals something powerful: that a Positive No doesn't stem from being against something, but rather, it's motivated by a deeper yes.
The key message here is: To uncover your underlying yes, you must discover the reason you’re saying no in the first place.
Most people tend to say no reactively, either as an accommodation, an attack, or out of avoidance – what the author calls “the three-A trap.” These types of nos stem from fear, guilt, or anger. But for your no to be positive, it must come from somewhere more proactive, forward-looking, and purposeful. So next time you’re about to say no, stop and ask yourself what you really want, what’s most important to you, and why.
While no is a clear statement of what you don’t want, it is ultimately motivated by the things you do want. Say your friend is over and asks to light up a cigarette in your living room. It’s likely you don’t want someone to smoke in your home, because you don’t like the smell and you also care about air quality. The same holds true for all situations you want to say no to. So next time you have to say it, ask yourself, what are you trying to create, protect, or change? Reflect on your interests, needs, and values to settle on what really matters to you.
Having done so, you arrive at your yes – that is, the intention that underlies your interests. Remember: a powerful intention should be positive – it should be for rather than against. Just like the alcoholic who found his true desire was to be alive and well for his grandchild, you need to pinpoint what truly matters to you. Because finding your yes gives you strength to carry through with your no. Now with this sense of purpose in place, the next step is to empower your no.
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What is The Power of a Positive No about?
In The Power of a Positive No (2007), William Ury dives deep into the power of no. Since no is easily one of the strongest words in any language, people tend to misuse it or are afraid of using it for fear of upsetting someone. The Power of a Positive No tells you exactly how to stand up for yourself and deliver a firm refusal while resisting aggression and maintaining key relationships.
The Power of a Positive No Review
The Power of a Positive No (2007) by William Ury is a valuable book that teaches readers how to assertively say no while preserving relationships and achieving personal goals. Reasons why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a practical framework for saying no effectively, enabling readers to communicate their boundaries with confidence and empathy.
- With real-life examples and case studies, the book provides valuable insights into how saying no can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.
- The book's engaging storytelling and actionable strategies make it an enjoyable read, ensuring that readers stay captivated and motivated throughout.
Best quote from The Power of a Positive No
The power of your no comes directly from the power of your yes.
—William Ury
Who should read The Power of a Positive No?
- Chronic people-pleasers and polite folks who struggle to assert themselves
- Young professionals learning how to navigate workplace disputes
- Anyone feeling powerless when it comes to establishing firm boundaries
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The Power of a Positive No FAQs
What is the main message of The Power of a Positive No?
The main message of The Power of a Positive No is the ability to say no without damaging relationships.
How long does it take to read The Power of a Positive No?
The reading time for The Power of a Positive No varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Power of a Positive No a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Power of a Positive No is a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and navigate difficult situations effectively.
Who is the author of The Power of a Positive No?
The author of The Power of a Positive No is William Ury.
What to read after The Power of a Positive No?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Power of a Positive No, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- Not Nice by Aziz Gazipura
- Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher
- Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
- Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer
- The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty