Sure, saying ‘yes’ to things is easier, but if you continue being a soft touch, in the long run you’ll realise what a burden it places on you emotionally.
Repeat after me: “I’m sorry, I can't do this right now.”
Too hard?
Adrienne Moolman, a life coach and certified organiser at virtual clinic Get Organised says many of us are conditioned to believe that saying no implies incompetence.
“What is it,” asks Moolman, “about the short two letter word NO that makes many of us scurry in the opposite direction? Is it that we feel we always have to be on top of our game? Is it that we are approval-junkies? Or is it that we don’t want to disappoint?”
Nodding in agreement? Thought as much.
But let’s be honest. Do you take on more responsibilities than you can truly handle? Do you feel as though it’s always just expected of you to be willing – or able – when a need arises? With your busy schedule, is time often your greatest enemy?
Learning to say no not only relieves undue stress, but the fact that you will have more time and energy for other , more important things – like bonding with your loved ones - may bestow priceless rewards that no obligation or chore could ever match.
Here are a few ways of saying no, by Ramona Creel of Online Organizing
1. I have another commitment.
2. I am not comfortable with that.
3. I need to focus more on my personal life.
4. I need to focus on my career right now.
5. I need some free time for myself.
6. I would rather decline than do a mediocre job.
7. This is really not my strong suit.
8. I do not enjoy that kind of work.
9. I am not qualified to do the job.
10. Something has come up that needs my urgent attention.
Do you battle to say no to people? Share your thoughts, tips and opinions in the box below.