9 signs you should say no, and why it's so important!
| Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. | | | It may be one of the smallest words in the English language, but saying "no" can sometimes feel like a monumental task. To the point that we end up saying yes instead—even when doing so may result in more stress or inadvertently cause us to say no to things that are important for our health and relationships. | | | Many people hesitate to say no, even when they are overstressed, overbooked, and just too busy to take on anything else." | | It's important to strike a balance between saying no and yes to a task, invitation, or offer. After all, we do want to nourish relationships, lend help when we can, showcase our skills, and experience new things. However, there are some clear signs a confident "no" is the right response:
- You're dealing with burnout or close to it
- Right now you need more "me time" versus time with others
- The invite/task doesn't further your personal goals
- You'd have to back out of another commitment or otherwise re-work your schedule
- You wouldn't be able to do the task justice due to time constraints or lack of skill set
- You'd feel very uncomfortable at the event/outing
- You've already said no once before and need to establish a boundary
- Saying yes would create excess stress in your life
- Saying no won't deeply impact your relationship in a negative way
| One of the reasons why it's hard to say no is because we feel like we'll let others down, or because it simply feels awkward to do so. The following direct phrases can help soften your no and make it easier to deliver and receive.
- That sounds like so much fun, but I'm already overcommitted. Can we do a rain check? I'd love to catch up.
- I already have plans for that time, but thank you so much for inviting me.
- I'm sorry. With everything on my plate right now I wouldn't be able to do the task justice.
- That's my forte, but I'm currently booked up through XYZ. Do you have any flexibility in timing?
- That task falls outside of my current scope. [Name] may be a better fit for this task/project.
- I wish I could help, but I need to focus on other commitments right now.
- That's not really in my wheelhouse. Is there another way I could help?
- I love spending time with you, but that particular activity isn't really my jam.
| | Ways to Stay Positive This Week | | | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | This week, take 5 minutes to reflect back on something you said yes to within the last two weeks that you probably should have said no to. What was the outcome? What could have happened if you said no instead? | | | |
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