For many of us, it'southward very difficult to say no. We're asked to take on extra assignments at work and aid colleagues and clients with projects that might exist outside our official chore description. We're asked favors by our friends, by our families; and sometimes even by our LinkedIn connections. And though it's dainty to help, we can end up overburdened with tasks and responsibilities we're not passionate virtually.

Proverb no is hard, but even harder is living the life you don't want to lead because you lot couldn't say no. So, a few years ago, I made information technology a New year'south resolution to learn to say no. And information technology'southward been an incredibly liberating experience. Hither are the tips I've used and see how you can contain them into your life.

ane. Recognize the legitimacy of saying no. It's OK to say no. I'll say that once again: it's OK to say no! When we think about saying no, we're often focused on how our friend or colleague volition react. How disappointed they volition feel, and how bad that makes us feel. Just how almost you and your feelings... and your life? If you say yeah to everything and everyone, yous'll end up without the fourth dimension or energy to do what y'all actually dear to do. And is that what you really want? And so, instead of thinking about "no" every bit a bad thing, think about it as saying "yes" to you lot and your family and the other commitments you really care nigh. Bluntly, if you say aye to the right things - to the things that y'all actually intendance near and that are important both personally and professionally - information technology will feel much more legitimate and comfortable to say no when the fourth dimension comes. At present doesn't that feel better already?

two: Find your vocalization. If you lot're not used to maxim no to things, it's sometimes hard to actually observe the words to say what you lot desire to say. I personally similar to make sure I give thanks the person making the request, and offer what feels to me to be a legitimate alibi. For example: "I actually capeesh you thinking of me, but I've just got besides much on my plate right at present" or "Cheers so much for the invitation. I would dear to practice information technology/serve/get involved, but I just tin can't right at present. I promise you volition think of me again" or, simply, "I'm just non able to exercise this correct now, but cheers and so much." In the end, the fundamental is to find what works for you lot.

iii: Press pause. In the oestrus of the moment, information technology's especially difficult to say no. This is especially true for people you lot like or for causes you care about, merely where don't take the time or resources to commit. So instead of having timing work against you, brand time your friend. Don't answer right away. Buy yourself time to think about the request by thanking them for the opportunity, requesting some time to think about it, and fifty-fifty mayhap proposing a specific time to get dorsum to them. Most people will sympathise this and y'all'll be able to buy time for yourself in the process.

Maxim no is hard to practice. But so too is burdening yourself with tasks and activities that you don't really take your middle in... and, equally a result, constantly putting your true cocky on hold. So, use these tips to bring a little more "no" into your life. You'll exist surprised how liberating it feels, and how much more productive you lot'll be.