Do you think it is rude or selfish to say no? Do you feel great anxiety when someone approaches you with a request you really do not have time to complete? What if I told you that saying no is healthy and can actually be a powerful way to take care of yourself and increase your productivity?
Here is the reality of the situation; our time is a finite resource. Therefore, when you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to something else. This means saying no is a critical skill to ensure you are living a peaceful and productive life.
Of course, actually saying no can be difficult. Feelings of guilt or obligation build pressure to accept tasks. Remember: you don't owe anyone your time. You are free to say no, and should say no, to tasks you don’t want or do not have the bandwidth to accomplish. Again, it’s ok to say no!
Here are some of the benefits of saying no:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Surplus of time
- Ability to focus on priorities
- Avoid burnout
- Higher quality output
- Better focus on task at hand
Here are a few tips for saying no in a perfectly acceptable way:
- Be direct and honest
- Stay respectful
- Be brief
- Offer alternatives
- Say no then say nothing else
Also consider that you don't have to say yes to everything right away. If you're not sure if you can commit to something that is important to you, it's okay to say "I need to think about it" or “ask again later.”
Saying no is a skill which can be learned and helps protect your time, energy, and wellbeing. If you would like more help learning to say no, read more in our Tip Library and consider a personal coaching session.
