For many of us, it'south very difficult to say no. We're asked to take on extra assignments at work and assist colleagues and clients with projects that might be outside our official job clarification. We're asked favors by our friends, by our families; and sometimes even by our LinkedIn connections. And though information technology's nice to help, we tin can stop up overburdened with tasks and responsibilities nosotros're non passionate nearly.

Maxim no is hard, but even harder is living the life you don't desire to lead because you lot couldn't say no. So, a few years ago, I made it a New year's day's resolution to larn to say no. And it's been an incredibly liberating feel. Here are the tips I've used and meet how yous tin incorporate them into your life.

1. Recognize the legitimacy of saying no. It's OK to say no. I'll say that over again: it'due south OK to say no! When we think about saying no, we're often focused on how our friend or colleague will react. How disappointed they will experience, and how bad that makes united states of america experience. But how most you and your feelings... and your life? If you say yeah to everything and everyone, yous'll end up without the fourth dimension or energy to practise what you lot really dearest to practise. And is that what you really desire? So, instead of thinking about "no" equally a bad thing, think nearly it as maxim "yes" to you lot and your family unit and the other commitments you really care about. Frankly, if you say aye to the right things - to the things that y'all really intendance about and that are important both personally and professionally - it volition feel much more legitimate and comfortable to say no when the time comes. Now doesn't that feel better already?

two: Find your voice. If you're not used to saying no to things, it'due south sometimes hard to actually find the words to say what you want to say. I personally like to brand sure I thank the person making the asking, and offer what feels to me to be a legitimate excuse. For example: "I actually capeesh you thinking of me, but I've simply got as well much on my plate correct now" or "Thank you so much for the invitation. I would beloved to do it/serve/get involved, but I just can't correct at present. I hope you will call back of me once more" or, just, "I'm just not able to practise this right at present, but cheers and then much." In the finish, the key is to find what works for you.

iii: Press suspension. In the rut of the moment, it'southward peculiarly hard to say no. This is peculiarly true for people yous similar or for causes you care near, but where don't have the time or resource to commit. And then instead of having timing work confronting you, make fourth dimension your friend. Don't reply right away. Purchase yourself fourth dimension to think about the request by thanking them for the opportunity, requesting some time to recollect about information technology, and even perhaps proposing a specific time to get back to them. Nearly people will understand this and you'll be able to purchase time for yourself in the process.

Maxim no is hard to practise. But so too is burdening yourself with tasks and activities that you don't actually have your middle in... and, as a consequence, constantly putting your true cocky on hold. So, use these tips to bring a piffling more than "no" into your life. You'll be surprised how liberating it feels, and how much more productive you lot'll exist.