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.