Repeat after me…. ”NO”
“I’m sorry, I can’t help with that.”
“I wish I could, but I’m unavailable at that time.”
“I know this is important and needs to be done well. With my other responsibilities right now, I’m not going to be able to give this the attention it needs.”
Or “I love you and wish you the best, but go jump in a lake.”
In this time of unknowns, overwhelm, and a whole lot of hand wringing and "WTF is next", it’s important to look at what’s important to you and give that your best. When you’re stretched thin and resentful because you said "YES" to something you wish you’d said "NO" to, it makes for a pretty terrible experience.
Admittedly, there are some things you can’t say "NO" to, but honestly, some things you can. Probably more than you allow yourself.
Will it be uncomfortable? Probably. Will you cringe a little? Maybe, but you will feel SO MUCH BETTER not having a responsibility that you're loathing. YES!
So next time you get a request and immediately think “no, I don’t want to do this” seriously consider,
"Can I say no to this?"
If you can, take a deep breath, grit your teeth, set your feet, and SAY IT! No. (it helps to have a prepared "script" like the lines above, so when you're super uncomfortable in the moment, you don't have to improvise!)
And if you can't say no, how can you minimize the impact it will have on the priorities that are more important to you.
That will leave room for the really good stuff! Like NAPS!
