Embark on a journey to master life by confidently navigating health choices, saying “no” with a strong backbone, and fostering an inner circle of friends, sculpting a purposeful and fulfilling body and lifestyle.
According to Josh Billings, half of life’s troubles arise from hastily saying yes and delaying the firm no. This sentiment echoes in the words of Henry Wheeler Shaw, a 19th-century comedian known by the pen name Josh Billings, often compared to the great Mark Twain. Twain’s advice, “If you must say yes, say it with an open heart. If you must say no, say it without fear,” resonates with the enduring truth that our choices define our lives. It’s the age-old question of to be or not to be.
To be strong is to fight against societal pressures that might otherwise lead you down a less attractive road.
What happens is, it’s time to show backbone. In this article, we teach you how to say no to temptations—to keep your mind and body on track to achieve an elevated and healthier lifestyle.
Here are some familiar moments when saying no is better than giving in:
Saying no in these situations can be easy for some, but we all know things heat up when a tempting molten hot chocolate lava cake sits square in the middle of your dinner table, waiting to erupt on your tastebuds. But why?
To answer this question, you need to showcase your dedication to a life prioritizing well-being. Arm yourself with responses that effortlessly deflect indulgent offers, preserving the equilibrium of social interactions. In these situations, I like to ask myself, WWMTD? Or “What would Mark Twain Do?”
Mr. Twain would say, “I’ll pass on the cake. I already had this plate of fruit and a full dinner. That piping hot volcano of carbs looks delicious, but I follow a nutrition plan limiting my sugar intake.”
Pro tip: Remember your dreams, visions, and goals come first. You must understand that a few “No thank you’s” in a row can shape who you are. Your decisions are the only thing stopping you from becoming a better version of yourself. Saying no more often makes you subconsciously stronger.
Resilience is both an attitude and an armor. Recognize triggers and traumas that may divert you from your health goals, and employ mindfulness techniques to anchor yourself in your pursuit of health, transforming the act of resisting temptation into purpose.
People may give you pushback initially, especially in new social circles, for not indulging in certain foods during gatherings. It’s essential to stay resilient and stay true to your goals.
It only takes making two or three deliberate choices to become the independent thinker or the health-goal-oriented one in your social circle. And once you establish your new rational mindset, your friends will notice a positive change in you.
Alternatively, if your new lifestyle choices lead to uncomfortable confrontations in social circles, we recommend having comebacks and answers for people. In the eloquent words of Mr. Twain, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.” So, assert yourself with confidence.
Your steadfast commitment to your goals is deserving of respect. Channel a suave demeanor, stand your ground and articulate your thoughts. These are a few comebacks we came up with:
Pro tip: Plan your meals ahead of these social gatherings, have healthy snacks readily available, and choose recipes that align with your nutritional goals and will make everyone happy.
Hang around five smokers, and you will be the sixth. Hang around with five millionaires, and you will be the sixth. Hang around five fit people, and you will be the sixth.
You shouldn’t feel obligated to explain yourself to those closest to you. So, with your new tools, build a tight support network where shared well-being takes center stage during every social hangout.
Pro tip: Encourage conversations around holistic well-being (both mental and physical), turning these occasions into opportunities for collective growth.
To be, or not to be. To say yes or to say no. Every decision you make shapes your story. Saying no may sound lonely, but trust me: it’s a story worth reading. Here’s to a life sculpted by purposeful ones—a journey where every yes and no contributes to a tapestry of well-being and fulfillment.
