Master the Art of Saying NO

My week is planned well, I have many work appointments, family commitments and exercise all scheduled in. There is a feeling of order.

Then the calls come in for requests to squeeze in an extra workshop, host an online session, take over a project, complete an admin task that was only due for the end of the month and more....

The overwhelm kicks in and throws me off my well balanced and sturdy footing. What to say no to and how?

This happens every week and over time I have learnt the subtle art of saying no without too much guilt attached,

Here are some ideas for responses (after pausing for a moment and taking a deep breath) ----

·  I do appreciate your request or offer but no thank you

·  Thanks for the offer, but at this time my schedule is full and doe not allow for any further appointments

·  I appreciate the invitation, but at this time I am not available

·  No thanks that will not work for me. I have other plans at this time

·  Thanks for the opportunity, but I am going to pass at this time

·  Thanks for the opportunity, but I love giving my all to my projects and I have other very high priority projects on my plate right now

And my favourite short and sweet… Not right now thank you.

Saying yes because you cannot bear the short-term pain of saying could cost you ever greater opportunities.

I do know that practice makes perfect so practise this skill!

Give yourself permission to say no. Focus on and stick to what really matters most for you. You can't please everyone, so don’t even begin to try.

"Setting limits and boundaries can set you free."