Learn How to Say No

I am in the middle of several projects

• Let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
• No need to make excuses if you don’t have any free time
• No one will fault you for having already filled your plate

I am not comfortable with that

• You might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues
• The people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.
• This is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation

I am not taking on any new responsibilities

• You aren’t saying that you will never help out again
• Lust that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
• Understanding your limits is a talent to be expected

I am not the most qualified person for the job

• If you don’t feel that you have adequate skills, that’s okay
• It’s better to admit your limitations up front
• The best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road

I do not enjoy that kind of work

• Life isn’t about drudgery — if you don’t enjoy it, why do it?
• Don’t be afraid to let someone know you just don’t want to
• Someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don’t

I do not have any more room in my calendar

• Be honest if your schedule is filled
• “Filled” doesn’t have to mean really filled
• Know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop

I hate to split my attention among projects

• Let people know that you want to do a good job for them
• But you can’t when your focus is too divided or splintered
• You will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time

I have another commitment

• It doesn’t matter what the commitment is
• It can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
• You don’t have to justify — you simply aren’t available

I have no experience with that

• Volunteering shouldn’t mean learning an entirely new set of skills
• Suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area
• Offer to help out with something that you already know how to do

I know you will do a wonderful job yourself

• People often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
• Let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
• You are actually doing them a favor in the long run

I need to focus more on my personal life

• Don’t be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
• Having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself
• Be willing to put your personal needs first

I need to focus on my career right now

• Often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task
• You may have to give up some civic or community duties
• If you don’t do it, someone else will take on the task

I need to leave some free time for myself

• It’s okay to be selfish — in a good way!
• Treat your personal time like any other appointment
• Block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life

I would rather decline than do a mediocre job

• Know when you aren’t going to be able to deliver a quality product
• The reason doesn’t matter — not enough time, wrong skills, etc.
• Whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down

I would rather help out with another task

• Saying no doesn’t mean that you can’t help at all
• If someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
• Then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable

Let me hook you up with someone who can do it

• If you aren’t available to help out, offer another qualified resource
• Helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
• Make sure the person you refer will represent you well

No

• Sometimes it’s okay to just say no!
• Just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy
• Leave the door open for good relations

Not right now, but i can do it later

• If you really want to help but don’t have time, say so
• Offer to help at a later time or date
• If they can’t wait for you, they’ll find someone else

Some things have come up that need my attention

• Unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off
• Accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
• It is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes

This really is not my strong suit

• It’s okay to admit your limitations
• Knowing what you can handle and what you can’t is a skill
• Your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well

About the Author
Ramona Creel is a modern renaissance woman and guru of simplicity, traveling the country as a full-time river, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. Follow her on twitter and on facebook.