Un libro che vi cambierà la vita, perché imparerete a tracciare dei confini senza scalfire i buoni rapporti con gli altri. Quante volte avete acconsentito controvoglia a richieste del partner, di un amico o perfino di uno sconosciuto? Quante volte vi siete sentiti obbligati a dire sì al vostro capo solo per paura di mettere a repentaglio la vostra posizione? E quante, poi, vi siete ritrovati oberati o prosciugati di energie, sentendovi pure in colpa per non essere riusciti a dire un fermo no? Se ne avete abbastanza di dire sempre dei sì costretti dalle circostanze, se siete stanchi di accettare incarichi ingrati e volete sentirvi liberi di scegliere senza compromettere una relazione, Vanessa Patrick vi spiega come fare, senza mezzi termini. Quello che serve è padroneggiare l’arte del rifiuto potenziante, una super-competenza che permette di restare saldi sulle proprie posizioni e al tempo stesso mantenere un rapporto cordiale e maturo con gli altri. Imparerete a non cadere nella trappola del castello di carte, a bloccare le richieste delle persone “albero di noce” e a resistere alle manipolazioni più in una parola, a ritrovare la sintonia con voi stessi e percorrere più serenamente il vostro cammino nel mondo.
Dr. Vanessa Patrick is a Professor of Marketing and the Associate Dean for Research at the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. She has a PhD in Business from the University of Southern California and an MBA in marketing and a BS degree in microbiology and biochemistry from Bombay University in India. Patrick has published dozens of research articles in top-tier academic journals in psychology, marketing, and management, and popular accounts of her work have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, Los Angeles Times, Business Week, Fast Company, Forbes, Huffington Post and Washington Post. In her research, she investigates strategies to achieve personal mastery and inspire everyday excellence in oneself and others and is a pioneer in the study of everyday consumer aesthetics. Patrick lives with her family in Houston, Texas.
This book had some good things to say. In terms of raw content it was pretty good. But for me, it was really let down by how it was written. It was just so dang repetitive! She'd write a sentence and then write almost the same sentence over and over again throughout the book. She'd communicate an idea and then repeat that same idea many many times. You'd read about something, and then you'd read about that same something again and again. You'd see extremely similar sentences time after time. SEE HOW ANNOYING IT IS!?
So by the time I was two thirds through I was well and truly over it and was speed reading just to get it done.
HOWEVER - if you're interested in the topic itself then it's worth picking up. Just be prepared to be bashed over the head with several key phrases.
The Power of Saying No is a well-researched, well-written gift to leaders, especially female leaders. It is a business book that reads beautifully like a novel. Dr. Patrick cites multiple interdisciplinary studies including her own novel research on why it is so difficult to say no. After thoroughly yet concisely explaining how and why people say yes when they mean no, Dr. Patrick introduces the concept of empowered refusal. In the second half of the book, empowered refusal is explained with several interesting examples and then practical advice is given on how to implement empowered refusal.
As someone who has spent many years as a "people pleaser" in corporate leadership, this book was a gamechanger for me. Although I just finished the book a week ago, I have already implemented some of the strategies introduced in The Power of Saying No. This has enabled me to develop personal policies leading to better decisions about how I spend my scarce time. Dr. Patrick's book has taught me how to set new boundaries that are respected by my colleagues and make me a more effective and balanced leader.
The Power of Saying No is the culminating project of the author's years of research into the science behind saying no. This book was a delightful mix of research and anecdote to bring the science and theory into the practical. I liked how the sections were organised, and each part used a mix of research, discussion and guidance for those of us who struggle with 'no' in our own lives. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes to understand the why and how behind issues and concepts, and not just being told someone's opinion.
I would add more stars to it, because I liked its content, but since it took me literally forever to finish it, it must say something.
Otherwise, I would like to say this to myself after reading it:
* evaluate the tasks you've said yes to, to assess which ones will have no weight during salary increase discussions. Just because you do much, doesn't mean you do the right things.
* every no is a yes to something you actually enjoy. Stop pleasing others at your own expense.
* saying no is a skill to be learned. Once you understand your vision and direction in life, it's easier to say no to things and people who do not align.
* people respect people who are not always available. People who respect themselves will never make you feel bad for saying no. People, who want to use you, will.
Loved the systematic approach, but it was just such a long read.
A great text on empowering the reader on setting boundaries and saying No to things that don't matter. Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the ARC
Good book backed by research. More geared towards women but honestly anyone could benefit from this. Especially useful for people who always struggle in effectively saying no and not feeling guilty about it.
Helps you understand why you find yourself saying yes, when you'd rather say no (hint: it's more likely the case if you're a woman!) Author, Vanessa Patrick has extensively researched the topic of saying no so the book explores exactly why saying it is so difficult. What's even more helpful though is the cost/benefit tool she provides to empower you to say yes at the times that align with your goals. This book is the perfect balance of personal anecdotes, research backed insights and helpful tips. It's engaging and easy to read. and you're guaranteed to finish it feeling empowered to say no!
Enjoyed the read. Read during my sabbatical as I evaluate what I need to say yes or no to as I return. Only thing that would have helped I think are more worksheets and examples on how to come to your own. This is a process of discovering of course but that would help.
I bought this book because I am a people pleaser, and have a hard time saying no. This is the book I wish I had read 20 years ago. I will be sending it to all of the young women in my life, including nieces, who will be navigating the business world, and need to learn how to say an empowered no.
Ha sicuramente alcuni spunti interessanti. Rispetto al tema che si propone ho trovato consigli efficaci per gestire il rifiuto e ho apprezzato anche diverse riflessioni sullo sviluppo personale: consapevolezza rispetto ai limiti e alle potenzialità, lavoro sull'autostima, gestione del tempo nella società contemporanea.. Trovo tuttavia un grosso difetto che è comune a molto manuali di auto-aiuto: l'approccio americano allo sviluppo personale. La concezione tradizionale di successo e realizzazione, legata al proprio impiego, una visione del lavoro in cui sono tutti manager o accademici, il tipico individualismo di questo paese, per farla breve un'idea di esistenza lontana da quella europea e che non ha niente a che fare con la mia. Altro punto critico è il modo in cui si affronta la difficoltà delle donne al rifiuto: ci sono timidi accenni agli stereotipi di genere e la constatazione che le donne semplicemente facciano il doppio degli uomini e siano molto più insicure nel reclamare il proprio sano egoismo, ma manca un qualsiasi tipo di analisi sociale, anzi, si ricorre alle neuroscienze per spiegarlo (il principio e la fine di tutti i mali). Ancora una volta, avendo completamente mancato la radice del problema, trovare una soluzione tocca a noi, sbattendoci come alci per diventare più autorevoli, persistenti e dotate di amor proprio. Esattamente lo stesso approccio di milioni di consigli spesi in altrettanti libri scritti da manager, CEO e dirigenti americani, a cominciare da Sheryl Sandberg. Oltre a ciò, lo stile non è male, ma è dannatamente ridondante, come spesso succede in questo genere di pubblicazione, con ogni probabilità per allungare il brodo e risultare più convincenti. Invece ha finito per tediarmi.
The Power of Saying No by Vanessa Patrick is a book that teaches the liberating power of using empowered refusal to set boundaries and establish priorities in one’s life by saying no to those requests that do not serve your purpose. From the very beginning, the author uses her eloquent writing style and authentic voice to share personal experiences, anecdotes, and well-documented research to provide practical insights to when, why, and how to say no. Dr. Patrick doesn't just discuss the importance of saying no; she also offers invaluable guidance on how to do it effectively. The Power of Saying No is not just a book about saying no; it is a book about personal empowerment and transformation. It will make you reflect on your own priorities and purpose, as well as a guide for professional development on how to assert your needs and boundaries and communicate them effectively. The Power of Saying No: The New Science of How to Say No that Puts You in Charge of Your Life In conclusion, The Power of Saying No is an exceptional guidebook for anyone seeking to break free from the chains of people-pleasing and reclaim their personal power. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to create a life that puts you in charge.
This is yet another book that I’m extremely torn on. Overall, it’s a great book that anyone who labels themself as a “people pleaser” needs to read ASAP. Learning how to say “no” to people is one of the best things I ever did in my life, and Vanessa Patrick wrote this awesome book with tools that you can use to be better at saying “no”. She calls it something like “empowered refusal” or something along those lines, and it’s a really good strategy that will help you say “no” without being a jerk about it.
My main issue with this book is that I’m a nerd who challenges research because a lot of it isn’t scrutinized properly, and when it is, it’s often BS. I think I would have liked this book 100x more if it wasn’t written by someone with credentials. The book is filled with anecdotal evidence and studies that I guarantee would be difficult to replicate. Once she started getting into body language reading, I was like, “Oh God. Please. No.”
But again, this book has really useful advice. And I get that you need some authority to give people advice like this, but I almost feel like I would have respected it more if it was coming from some random self-help guru rather than someone who should be using better science. At the end of the day, if you are a people pleaser and it’s causing issues in your life, you need this book.
As a female, I struggle with saying no and never understood the intricacies of what played in my internal framework of why this was so hard. Vanessa’s explanation incorporates gender specific norms, cultural and societal norms, and research findings to really help the reader understand the background of why this skill is challenging. Then she provides framework and principles for how to cultivate such a skill. A great read, filled with background information and research to back up how to acquire such a skill.
As a notorious “yes” person, this was a must read for me to not only reflect on all the things I say yes to but to give me resources on how to not say yes to everything. If you listen to the audiobook, the narrator’s voice is distracting but once you get past that, there’s some good content in there. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount spent on being able to say no to yourself and not just others, because it all starts there really.
Who is good at setting boundaries and saying no? Not me! I really did need this book and found there be plenty of guidance and supportive anecdotes throughout, I am excited to put some of these practices in place so that I can learn to say no and stand up for myself and my boundaries when necessary.
Helpful not only in empowering yourself to say no when you should but also in helping you define your personal policies and values to strengthen your convictions and help you be more respected and appreciated even while you say no - without disappointing others. And learning to stand up to those who don't take no for an answer.
Meaningful for those who need guidance on this challenge, but lacking in any innovative insights rather than regular citation of previous work. Given the references throughout to Essentialism, go with that instead.
A strong guidebook to how to say no, maintain relationships, stand up for what you believe in, and be empowered by these situations. Some fun (or not so fun) tidbits about the differences between men and women in the workplace.
he Power of Saying No by Vanessa Patrick is a game-changer. In a world that constantly asks us to do more, be more, and say “yes” to everything, this book is a refreshing and empowering reminder that it’s okay—and sometimes necessary—to say no. Patrick dives deep into the psychology of why we struggle with saying no and how it affects our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
What makes this book so powerful is that it’s not just about setting boundaries; it’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and life. Patrick explains how saying no can actually help you live a more fulfilling life by giving you the space to say yes to the things that truly matter to you. She provides practical strategies for saying no without guilt, fear, or feeling like you’re letting people down, making it a must-read for anyone who feels overwhelmed or stretched too thin.
What I loved most was how the book challenges the cultural norm that we must constantly be available and agreeable. Patrick’s approach is about self-empowerment and prioritizing what aligns with your values, showing that saying no doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you strong. This book will not only help you assert your boundaries, but it’ll also help you feel more in control of your own life.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” to things you didn’t really want to do or felt like you were doing too much for everyone else, The Power of Saying No is the guide you didn’t know you needed. It’s a practical, thoughtful, and transformative read that teaches you the power of choosing yourself.
“The Power of Saying No” by Dr. Vanessa Patrick is a must-read for anyone who struggles to turn down requests and feels guilty about letting others down. Dr. Patrick delves into the emotional and psychological reasons behind this difficulty, examining cultural, societal, and gender norms that make saying no feel so challenging.
What sets this book apart is how Dr. Patrick blends thorough academic research with practical, real-world advice. She not only explains “why” it’s hard to say no but also provides a clear solution. Her concept of “empowered refusal”—I love it!—equips you with the tools to say no confidently, without harming your relationships or compromising your self-worth. It’s all about creating boundaries that feel right and are respected.
As an academic, I appreciated the depth of research, but this book is accessible to everyone. Filled with relatable examples, it serves as a practical guide for managing life's demands—teaching you how to say no, prioritize what matters, and still maintain strong relationships. Dr. Patrick doesn’t just offer theory; she gives actionable steps to help you avoid the stress of those exhausting “bad yeses.”
This book is a gamechanger for anyone who often finds themselves overcommitted. “The Power of Saying No” will provide the confidence and tools you need to set healthy boundaries, freeing up time and energy for the things that truly matter.
It was ok. I would strongly argue that 99% of the work is saying no to yourself. In utterly obvious ways. As in: before you tell yourself you are overwhelmed by requests from others, check your screen time for the day and what apps you were using. Check your Netflix history. Yea, thought so.
For the 1% who are actually trying their best and minimizing frivolity then this book is spot on. Tips for dealing with entitlement and, more commonly, simple miscommunication!
I also think it’s a serious problem assigning blame where there was no ill-intent. People don’t know what they don’t know. And that’s the time for NO.
But for goodness sake don’t buy this when you’re feeling sorry for yourself about your precious time, unless the goal is changing your mindset.
I found this book to be informative and interesting. My favorite parts of the book are the personal anecdotes; for example, Benjamin Franklin's contributions and his method of "writing things down" in chapter eight and Ralph Waldo Emerson's thoughts on "self-reliance" in chapter nine.
The title "The Power of Saying No..." immediately catches the attention of the general audience, which is reflected in most parts of the book. However, the comparison charts seem aimed at empowering the female audience. The illustrations reflect the gender percentile of women as a weaker gender who submits to male dominance. The depiction of the differences between men and women in their weaknesses and strengths could appear either encouraging or discouraging. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
Accessible, enjoyable, and just plain useful. Vanessa Patrick is one of the world’s leading scholars of consumer psychology in general and self-control in specific. Her wealth of knowledge is reflected here, and it is presented in a clear and accessible manner, making for an easy and uplifting read. If you ever find yourself wanting to decline a request or avoid a task, or if you just want to adopt some good habits, you might pick up some very useful pointers here. There are insights here that are easy to digest and equally easy to implement. In other words, if you like books that are simultaneously useful and enjoyable, then this might be a good choice for you.
This has to be one of my favorite books in regards to self actualization. Vanessa Patric's "The Power of Saying No" is a compelling guide that explores the transformative impact of setting boundaries and asserting oneself through the simple act of saying no. With practical advice and empathetic insights, Patric empowers readers to prioritize their well-being, nurture healthier relationships, and cultivate personal growth. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to reclaim their time and establish a more balanced life. The book also cites so many other books that I have happily added to my to read list.
As a child of the 80s, I was raised on the mantra of "Just Say No." But I never really grasped the power of "no" until I got to read Professor Patrick's vital new book. Like most people, nearly every day, I agree to things that I know are poor ideas, things that I don't want to do, things that create needless extra work, and things that conflict with other commitments. This book offers a way out: "empowered refusal." It's time to ensure you have a better summer -- a break from all those bad yeses -- by taking charge at work, at home, and every where in between.
So much of the book focussed on something other than learning how to say No and the different ways on how to do it. I found the practical part too short and not really helpful.
Plus what I got from the last chapter was that the author seems to believe women need to change to be in charge instead of women's traits being more appreciated.
And I found there were few scientific sources when the cover claims that the book covers the "new science of [...]".