Antonio Giordano* – Saying yes to life's opportunities does not mean being "positive" in unreasonable way but being willing to have an optimistic "View", well rooted in reality, view that appreciates continuous commitment and the ability to outline new objectives to open positive situations. Neuroscientists and psychiatrists from all over the world agree in stating that it is the "power of No" that defines the success of one path over another, which is the ability of not having time and space stolen by people with a different attitude.
Saying no means "protecting our resources" both physically and psychologically, and direct them towards productive and well-directed "Yes". It is an act of "self-affirmation", opposing the frantic search for consensus, without falling into the trap of harmony at all costs to the detriment of one's vision, draining oneself in giving explanations to those who are not able to understand the complexity of the subject.
Saying “no” can save us time that can be used successfully elsewhere.
Being condescending toward our nature damages the psyche, lowers self-esteem and the perception of ourselves and the one that others have of us, as people and professionals, and causes stress-induced digestive system disorders, ulcers, reflux, and abdominal pain.
In some cases, it can cause depression, with hair loss, flaking skin, or rash.
Skin problems are revealing as in fact is one of the most common symptoms after exposure to continuous consensus "induced" by social habits, and misconstructed intentions to appear "popular" at all costs. On the contrary, being assertive strengthens our defensive immune system and open the mind, thereby favoring the creation of projects worthy of our attention.
Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University's College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, to receive the latest updates.