Setting boundaries and saying “no”.
Saying “no” is really saying yes (to the things that matter).
“The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.”
Saying "No" can be difficult for so many of us, but why?
Feel obligated
Want to be liked
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
Don't know it's a possibility
Don't want to be rude or mean
Avoiding conflict
Feel guilty
Desire to please everyone
Want to be seen as reliable
Want to be helpful
Don't want to be selfish
And there are probably many more reasons why it's so difficult to say a 1 syllable, 2 letter word!
Why is saying "No" important?
You own your time and your agenda. Not acting this way can enable others to dictate what you do in life.
Saying “no” is really saying yes (to the things that matter)
It helps us set up healthy boundaries
It allows us to be clear to others on what they can and cannot expect from us
Focusing on the critical few versus the many will help us produce a better work product
It puts you in the driver's seat of your life
How to say "No"?
Decide your boundaries: what you are willing and aren't willing to do. These will change over time based on work-load, home life, other commitments, etc.
If someone asks for something that is outside of that boundary, say
a simple "No." If that doesn't match your style, perhaps a "No, thanks."
"I am not able to do that at this time, but if something opens up and I do have the time, I will let you know."
"I am stretched too thin to give that the attention it deserves and the attention that I would want to give to it. Thank you for thinking of me, but I cannot do that at this time."
Remember to be firm (and I like to be courteous)
Use these helpful tips to say “No” to more, so you can say yes to the things that matter.
