How do we determine what are our top priorities? Because it is all well and well to recognize that we need to make some alternative decisions in the face of the possibility of burning out due to being overly busy, but how do we actually make those decisions? How do we decide what and to whom to say “no”?
Here are some suggestions for how to determine what matters to us the most
Knowing when to say no to things and how to do so can be helpful at times. You are aware of the circumstances. You’ve been working on something for a very long time, not that whatever-it-is isn’t valuable and significant. However, because of changes in your life or circumstances, it is no longer the best use of your time.
How to effectively say no?
We must master the art of saying no if we want to maintain our health and sanity. We have all been in circumstances when we felt coerced into saying yes or where we said yes out of a desire to please the other person. Or maybe we fib just a little bit to avoid providing the truthful response. However, failing to provide a clear response makes it difficult for the individual who is not receiving your assistance to grasp what you are actually wanting and feeling in this circumstance.
It takes honesty and respect for the other person to learn how to say no well.
Examine your situation and what you actually need and feel honestly.
Check to see if any of the following apply:
- Life has changed, and due to other commitments I am no longer able to do this.
- It’s time to stop because this has reached its conclusion.
- It is now appropriate to forward this to someone else.
- Now, in this new season, I must make time and room for anything else.
- I would only say yes to appease the other person, save their feelings, or out of obligation.
- I want to refuse so badly.
It takes practice to know when and how to say “no” correctly!
These suggestions may be helpful:
- Find out where you are taking on obligations that are not yours, such as responsibility for how other people may be feeling.
- What would be the best result in this situation if you weighed the expense of saying yes against the brief inconvenience of saying no?
- Think about the cost of not being explicit and the benefits of saying “no” in a firm and straightforward manner.
- Saying “no” to an invitation or offer politely and gratefully
- Provide a succinct, honest, and clear explanation. Depending on who you are speaking to, you may not need to defend or explain yourself.
- Where possible, suggest a substitute
- Recognize that you may probably feel anxious, but prepare beforehand and follow your script.
Practice and then some more practice
This requires patience, practice, and introspection. Take note of any instances in which you have clearly declined and the result of that. This is beneficial for future practice at effectively saying no.
