Do you want to know one of the big things that made my life better in every possible way? Here it is: I decided I don’t believe in the word “No.”
If I’d believed every “No” people told me, I’d never be where I am today. “No” closes doors — ones that often don’t need to be closed.
The Magic Word That Gets You Past “No”
So what do I do instead of accepting a negative response?
Well, when someone tells me, “No,” I ask “How?” Not in a rude way, of course. I thank them for their opinion, then say something like “I know you think this strategy won’t work, so how can we make this happen instead? What’s another way we can approach it?” (And by the way, this works when you tell yourself “No,” too.)
“How” is the magic word, and your life literally depends on it. It’s the absolute best way I know to get past whatever roadblock is in your way.
For example, I met an awesome cancer survivor a while back. He’d been to a bunch of doctors in the U.S., and nobody was able to cure him. They told him there was no way.
What do you think he did instead of accepting their “No”? That’s right — he asked, “How?” After doing some research, he found a different treatment in Germany, and he made his way there. It worked!
Now, time will tell if it’s a permanent solution, but when I last talked to him, he was cancer free. I’m sure you can imagine what would’ve happened if he’d given into his American doctors’ opinions!
Exercise: How To Answer “How”
The best way I know to answer “How” is something my friend Brian Tracy, a great speaker and trainer, taught me. He says that you need to brainstorm and write down 10 solutions — and I do mean 10, so don’t skimp!
In fact, I’d love for you to try this right now.
I want you to think of a problem you have, then write down 10 possible solutions (If you come up with more, even better!).
Just remember the cardinal rule of brainstorming: absolutely NO censoring.
If an idea pops into your head, you must write it down!
So… did you do it? Great! Give yourself a high five.
Did any of the solutions you came up with sound like they could work? If so, be sure to try them. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in the land of “No,” and I’m sure you know that’s not a fun place to be. True or true?
YOU Are A Creative Problem Solver
As I like to say,
“If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.”
So whenever you run into a “No,” keep asking “How?” and let your creativity shine through.
And in case you’re thinking, “But Harv, I’m just not a creative person,” I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. We’re all creative, just in different ways, like how we research, organize, communicate, and more.
It’s called creative problem solving for a reason, and everyone can do it, even if they approach it in different ways!
I teach all my students — including you! — not to accept “No” as an answer.
So from now on, every time someone (or you yourself) tells you “No,” I want you to ask, “How?” It needs to be your reflex — “No” immediately triggers “How.”
Again, remember to be nice and respectful about it — defensiveness or pushiness won’t get you where you want to go.
I’d love to know what “No” you’re going to address now that you know the magic word.
Please share in the comments below — and let me know how it goes, too!
If you’re like most people, you’ve been told “No” in a whole bunch of situations in your life, true or true?
Sometimes it’s other people telling us “No.” Other times, it’s us telling ourselves.
Either way, our belief that something’s a no-go stops us in so many situations where it doesn’t need to.
This makes it nearly impossible to create the amazing life we want and deserve.
I don’t want that happening to you, which is why I’m inviting you to my free web class,
“Don’t Believe A Thought You Think.”
This free training is all about getting those “No” beliefs (and they are beliefs, not facts) out of your head, along with other thoughts that are holding you back.
You’ll learn why those beliefs are there in the first place, my favorite (and extremely powerful) phrase that helps you get past them, and so much more.
Sound good?
If you’re ready to get started, go ahead and save your seat now.
Just click here to register for free and select a time and date that works best for you.
Did you enjoy the article above? Will you utilize the “how” method in your life? Please share in the comments below.
For Your Freedom,
nikoleta radeva says
Nice and useful!
Carlos Alonso says
Muchas gracias Harv. Es una excelente enseñanza para aplicar en la vida. Gracias gracias
Angela Cruz says
Harv!!! You are incredible!!! Ive done one training with you before and I am a fan.
You’ve been helping me greatly. I am so grateful ❤️ ❤️.
Angela
Arlyn says
Hello, Harve thank you so much for this very helpful notes/information it is a big and a better help for me to improve and work with “HOW’s” in the business industry. GOD BLESS😊
Kimberly L. Hogue says
“No” seems to be the theme in my life right now. “How” feels so empowering! I will put this to work in my life “now”!
Edino says
Muy agradecido maestro por sus concejos, son muy ciertos y de cambio positivo de mentalidad. Sus cursos son en inglés, es lo que tengo que aprender
Charlotte Williams says
It is refreshing to find a word in place of no. Thanks much.
Maria Sastre-Kjörling says
Dear Harv, Thankyou for sharing your wisdom with the world!
I love how you formulate this human dilemma….and I get happy just thinking of how easy it is and how much I can use it every day, every moment!!!
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!!!!
Mariane says
At first I thought the word would be a YES. It turned out to be better coz “HOW” gets the juices running, puts us into motion. Thank you so much Harv for this great and wonderful share…..More Power! 🙂
Katelijne says
You really ROCK Harv! <3
Thanks a million, or better many millions! 😉
viviana says
Que buen mensaje , ero estan complicado estoy rodeada de personas que siepre utilizan esa palbra “NO” siempre trato de corregirles sin embargo tu libro secretos de una mente millonaria me a ayudado a salir de mi zona de comodidad, agradezco todo lo aprendido.
viviana says
Me siento feliz y satisfecha con lo aprendido, sera una gran bendicion para mi vida y mas en este momento que lo necesito tanto, encontre el libro adecuado despues de mucho buscar… agradezco inmensamente al universo y a ti por el aprendizaje adquirido.
Ina says
Absolutely amazing!!! HOW has an incredible creative energy, exactly what I am hearing now, thank you 🙏
JC Garcia says
Thank you very much for sharing with us the wonderful powers of the word “How?”
A. Y. Danjuma says
I will apply this secret of using “how” to push further on any “no” from my self or others…
I’m really appreciative of what I’m beginning to know of recent, in my financial success journey..
God I really give you the glory, preparedness always brings about explosion when opportunity cuts accross..
Thanks to T. Herv Eka
Anna w krainie zmian says
Thank you Harv 🙃
🤜💥🤛