From our government to companies to individuals, it seems like the concept of short term sacrifice for the sake of long term gain is a concept that’s been lost in our society. Sometimes you have to say no, so later you can say yes. I’m not sure when the mindset of entitlement that’s overwhelmed our society began, but if things continue down this path, I don’t see how the future will be very bright.

The debt ceiling dead lock in Washington is because neither side is willing to compromise, to sacrifice a little bit now so that things can be better in the future. Unless they snap out of it soon, it’s going to hurt a lot of people. The trouble is, both sides are so worried about defending their entrenched principles that they can’t see the bigger picture, or if they can, they just don’t care.

When it comes to personal situations, we all know someone who chooses to behave irresponsibly, but then goes on to complain about how things aren’t going their way. Are they willing to buckle down, cut back on their bad habits so things can improve? Of course not, why should they have to do that? It would mean they can’t have the fun that they feel that they’re entitled to. It’s a flawed mentality, but good luck explaining that to some of the people who need to understand it the most.

Another area that can be even more damaging is not being able to say no when people ask you do something for them. We all know someone with a giving heart who ends up being taken advantage of because they don’t know how to stick up for themselves. Having boundaries in your relationships and the courage to say no is important. Without it, you’ll end up neglecting yourself because you’re too busy taking care of everyone else’s needs and if you don’t take care of yourself, how can you be in any position to help others?

I’m not saying that principles aren’t important, that you shouldn’t have fun, or help people, but in the end, the only person who can make your situation better is you. In this fast paced world, rampant with the mentality of entitlement to indulgence, sometimes the best thing you can do is say no.