Apply These 5 Steps to Say “No” More Effectively

Will you?
Can you?
Would you?

The request itself may not matter, your reflex may be to answer “yes” without much hesitation.

The issue with an automatic “yes” is that it may negatively impact your schedule and stress-level. The challenge is that saying “no” can be difficult as well.

So what can you do?

Use the scary yet powerful two-letter word: NO.

When deployed appropriately, you create a calendar that reduces schedule-overwhelm and stress.

Want to adopt a stronger “no” reflex?

1. Determine the endeavors you absolutely must do versus those you would like to do.
2. Decide which activities you absolutely don’t want to do.
3. Create a simple declination phrase.
   • “I can’t help at this time.”
   • “I regret that my schedule is full.”
   • “Sorry. I’m unable to participate.”
   • “That isn’t in my (personal or professional) plan at this time.”
   • “That falls outside my area of responsibility.”
4. Practice this phrase until it rolls off your tongue easily.
5. Deliver the phrase when asked to do something you are not interested in, that you don’t want to do, or for which the timing isn’t correct. Be firm but not rude.

These five steps are the “should’s” to learn to say “no” more effectively. At the same time, remember not to:

• create a rationale as to why you are saying “no“!
• feel bad about saying “no“!
• cave in and say “yes“!

Need some help reclaiming your schedule during your life-disrupting event? I can help you discover your values and needs so you can embrace your “no.” Contact me TODAY to see how we can facilitate the creation of a more reasonable schedule.