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How often do you find yourself taking responsibility for something even though you know you really don’t want to? It could be an obligatory meeting with an old friend for tea, joining the work social committee or running for president of your social club. You become so busy doing things you don’t have any desire to do and before you know it there is no time left for you.
Learning to say no comes from valuing your time and yourself.
Because if you don’t value your time, how can you expect anyone else to? In working with clients I have come to understand that time (or the lack of it), is the biggest reason why people don’t get organised.
The fundamental of time organisation comes down to having clear goals which encompass all areas of your life.
Saying no becomes a whole lot easier once you know what your goals are.
By knowing what you want to achieve, you can plan how you are going to achieve it. If committing to something doesn’t honour your goals, if in fact it takes up so much of your time that it compromises your success – I encourage you to say no. It’s very empowering.
Here are 20 ways to help you say no, by Ramona Creel of OnlineOrganizing.com...
1. I can’t right now, but I can do it later.
2. I’m really not the most qualified person for the job.
3. I just don’t have any room in my calendar right now.
4. I can’t but let me give you the name of someone who can.
5. I have another commitment.
6. I’m in the middle of several projects and can’t spare the time.
7. I’ve had a few things come up and I need to deal with those first.
8. I would rather decline than end up doing a mediocre job.
9. I’m focusing more on my personal and family life right now.
10. I’m focusing more on my career right now.
11. I don’t really enjoy that kind of work.
12. I can’t, but I’m happy to help out with another task.
13. I’ve learned in the past that this isn’t my strong suit.
14. I’m sure you will do a wonderful job on your own.
15. I don’t have any experience with that, so I can’t help you.
16. I’m not comfortable with that.
17. I hate to split my attention among too many projects.
18. I’m committed to leaving some time for myself in my schedule.
19. I’m not taking on any new projects.
20. No.
Saying no doesn’t need to be harsh or rude. It’s simple, if you don’t have the time or the inclination... exercise your right and say no - I dare you!
