Saying No So You Can Say Yes

Saying no to some things means that we can say yes to the most important things.

Learning to Say No

It’s true, saying yes sounds so much more positive than saying no. Everyday you have hundreds of chances to say yes or no, and saying yes to things you really don’t want to do ultimately takes time and energy away from doing the things you you actually want to do. 

We have to say no to some things so that we can say yes to the most important things.

Learning to say no is hard. But when we do say no to the things that don’t really matter, we find that we have the time, energy, and motivation to say yes to all the things we are most passionate about. 

If you find yourself feeling burned out, learn how to rest and not quit. 

How to Say No

Be brief. You don’t always have to explain yourself when telling someone no. No is a full sentence. No. You don’t have to justify your decision a lengthy explanation is not required.

Be polite. While you don’t need to explain or justify your decision to say no, you can still be polite. A simple, “no, thank you,” “this isn’t the right time,” or “I’m not the best person for the project” is all you need. 

Be prompt. If it’s not a heck yes, then it’s a no. If you need to think about something for an extended period of time in order to convince your self to say yes, then the answer is probably no. Trust your instincts, respond quickly, and move ahead without second guessing your decision. 

Be prepared. It can be difficult to say no in the moment. If you’re struggling to say no because you fear disappointing someone, it’s perfectly acceptable to say you need to consult your calendar or check with your significant other. You can also use pre-prepared statements or reply via text or email. Once you’re prepared you can politely decline. 

Learn how to do what you can until you can do what you want.

Create More Space in Your Life

Sometimes the hardest person to say no to is ourselves. Each day only has 24 hours in it, and no matter how we may try, there is a limit to how much we can do in a day. 

When you’re struggling with how to say no, remember how you feel when you say yes to the people and projects that you care the most about and are the most important. 

And remember that saying no doesn’t have to mean no, never, it could just mean, no, not now. Priorities and obligations change, and something you said no to in the past may be something you will want to say yes to in the future. 

Create room in your life for the things and people you love most by saying no to anything that detracts from your priorities.