Harnessing the Power of No in Decision Making | Assertiveness

It's undoubtedly harder to repair a moving vehicle. This wisdom has been shared countless times, but it holds great truth: always aim to do all your repairs when your car is stationary. My priceless mentor, Bishop Edmond Kizito, once imparted these incredibly valuable words to me during a conversation at his office when I was embarking on a new product line. He has instilled within me the priceless principle of true focus, a balance that exists between rage and serenity. He has perpetually reminded me to utilize my unique gifts, because if I don’t, I risk losing them altogether. Additionally, he has encouraged me to continuously discover, uncover, and recover with agility, which serves as the foundational point from which I compose this month’s statement. Based on my experiences in life and business, I have found that it is frequently easier to extract a positive response—a yes—from someone who initially said no than it is to elicit a YES from someone who may simply express a MAYBE. This emphasizes the important idea that there is significantly more power in firmly saying no than there is in uncertainly saying maybe. One can truly ascertain how well someone is in alignment with their own CONVICTION simply by observing their ability to confidently assert these responses. In many advanced sales training programs, it is often taught how much simpler it is to secure a sale from a person who has previously uttered the word NO than from another who has hesitated with MAYBE. Essentially, there is simply no point in possessing a right arm without also having the corresponding right hand—both are crucial!

Dr. John F. Demartini writes compellingly about the seven secret treasures he believes everyone has within themselves in his outstanding book entitled, ‘The Riches Within’. According to John, these life-changing secrets are profound: Genius, representing your Mental Treasures; Immortality, signifying your Physical Treasures; Divinity, emphasizing your Spiritual Treasures; Wealth, which reflects your Financial Treasures; Unity, representing your Family Treasures; and Leadership, which speaks to your Social Treasures. Through his profound writings, Dr. Demartini helps readers delve deeper into understanding their true inner selves. I relate this to a memorable phrase I once stumbled upon: 'Doing business without advertising is like winking at someone in the dark. You know what you are doing, but no one else does.' This emphasizes the significance of visibility and perception in both business and social interactions.

The central theme for this month is, intriguingly, FORGIVENESS. This is one of the emotional and spiritual areas I have endeavored to perfect over time. There is a remarkable truth in this practice: no human being can ultimately present themselves to me and claim I have never forgiven them. I may choose to let go of or cut ties with some individuals in my life, but one thing is certain—I certainly forgive them. I do not cut people from my life unless they willingly empower me to do so; they must hand me the scissors. Bishop Jakes once poignantly noted: ‘One thing about the body is the blood will go most where the pain is, where the muscle is challenged.’ Similarly, in your own life, when challenges feel most overwhelming, that’s precisely where your ‘BLOOD’—your efforts and focus—will flow. It's noteworthy to take into account that Joseph never received sustained blessings until he forgave his brothers. Astonishingly, he never fell into another pit for the rest of his life once he managed to LET GO! Forgiveness is truly for oneself, rather than simply for the person you are forgiving—but it also releases heavy burdens. Ultimately, whenever one becomes infatuated, it becomes incredibly difficult to see any downsides. Conversely, whenever resentment builds, the upsides can easily become invisible.

Just like Tiger Woods famously wears red on Sundays, I have made it a personal tradition to share my monthly statements on the very first day of each month, seizing this moment to also release a new book on my birthday each year. From my heart to yours, I hope these reflections inspire you. Ultimately, while intellect empowers us and loads the gun, it is instinct that bravely pulls the trigger. When you find yourself in the position of being a Giraffe, do not allow the limited perspectives of turtles to obstruct you from stretching your neck and reaching for greater heights.

HAPPY NEW MONTH! Always remember, the fragrance lingers sweetly on the hand that gives the rose! This simple act and sentiment have profound implications that remind us of the beauty in generosity.

Tonny Rutakirwa,
Chairman,
Tonniez Group of Companies