Setting boundaries and saying no doesn’t have to be so difficult with help from best-selling author Jay Papasan. He offers a range of options from delicate to direct to help you guard your time and energy.
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Saying no is easy when Bark Twain and Winnie the Poodle play tug of war with our Nike Air Force 1s. The rest of the time, it’s hard. This is especially true when we must say no to our family, friends, co-workers and clients.
Part of the challenge is that we routinely overestimate the cost of saying no. Will they think I’m rude or selfish? If I decline today, will I still get invited next time? Still, the only way to take ownership of our limited time is to control our commitments with strategic nos.
“When you say yes to something, it’s imperative that you understand what you’re saying no to.” — The ONE Thing
11 ways to say no (without saying no)
Please enjoy and employ these 11 ways to say no (without saying no).
1. Get ahead of the ask
When you time-block your big rocks, it gives you a built-in response. “I’m sorry. I already have a commitment at that time.” Note, if that time is dedicated to solo work, avoid the mistake of sharing that info. People will assume you’re meeting with someone and see the block as immovable.
2. Be on a mission
You are 100 percent engaged. You move through the workspace without making eye contact. Sometimes your speed and body language say it all. Everyone will have to hold their requests for later. Waiters everywhere have mastered the no-eye-contact part of this technique.
3. Delay the decision
You could also call this one “No now, maybe later.” Just reply, “ I can’t right now, can I get back to you?” Many “urgent” requests come…