JUST SAY ‘NO’
Don’t Over Commit

Everyone wants to be a valued and needed worker, parent, friend, and community member. But, don’t say yes to every request. Without the ability to pick and choose what you can do, your obligations will become overwhelming. You will not be able to accomplish everything without paying a high price. With too many promises you will surely miss deadlines or die trying to meet them, run out of steam and desire, or be ineffective in one or more areas of responsibility.

Here is a simple 3-part approach for saying no when you must.

1) Be forthright. After giving thoughtful consideration and deciding that you cannot take on a particular responsibility, simply say “This time I am going to say ‘No’. At present, my other commitments do not allow me the time needed to take on this project.”

2) Keep your reasons for doing so in mind, and only in your mind. You are now able to stay focused on your existing set of assignments. So, even though you may take a little guilt trip by refusing a request, you have no obligation to explain your reasons. Don’t begin to list the many responsibilities you already have lined up. This will weaken your stance and make you sound winy.

3) Be positive and upbeat with your refusal by offering a few alternatives. Perhaps you can suggest others who are capable and even willing to step in. Or, if you have a clearer schedule down the road and are truly interested in taking part, say you will help at another time.

Won’t it feel great to do what you choose to do and do it well? After a time you will get the hang of saying no when you want to without the guilt.

Try it for a while and let me know how it goes.