After receiving great commentary from my recent Artlcle “No -What a Word!“ I was inspired to write this follow-up.
I agree that sometimes the word “No” is actually a good thing. One of the prominent “catch phrases” of the 80’s features First Lady Nancy Reagan’s advice to the youth of America to “Just Say No” to drugs. I bet some of you thought I was pertaining to other the classic catch phrase “Where’s the Beef?” as in not enough meat
Seriously, when it comes to addiction of drugs, food, alcohol – you name it; “No” represents a road to success. Under this scenario getting to “no” is a life changing experience; and saying “yes” is definitely not a good thing.
Hearing the word “no” in your career or business endeavors may be a too common thing; yet like a wise person once stated “you can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket.”
I encourage others that “no” may be a process in leading to expertise. I mean how routinely do scientists encounter “no“, yet in some instances that “no” may actually become a “Wow” of a discovery at a later juncture.
You likely don’t remember learning how to walk, yet none of us were likely successful in moving forward with our legs when we learned to stand up during our initial attempt. I mean learning to do anything should not be “one and done.”
I read a great line last week that someone shared on LinkedIn that rings so true in life when it comes to “no.” “If you do not ask, the answer will always be no.” It just seems more painful for some to be rejected, than the chances in not.
Back to Being Non-Serious
Oh, the challenges to learn the English language. The majority of the time one does pronounce “no” as it appears in front of other letters in a word, like noble, nowhere and notable. Then comes the twisters that likely drive non-English speakers wild, I mean Que Paso with the word “nothing?” I recently was asked by a predominately English speaking person what are nopales, which they pronounced as if written “nah piles” – come on now! For those of you not familiar with nopales, in English they are referred to as prickly pears, which are not to be confused with non-prickly pears, which are just your common pears.
Remember the Chevy Nova? Nova in Espanol translates to “doesn’t move.” Oh the fickle world of marketing!
