Say No! Before You Reach Breaking Point

Saying no is so important for you. Have you ever tried to be so helpful that you say yes to every job and event on your list?
What happens then? Do you find yourself getting overwhelmed, stressed, irritable and moody? Are you able to get through the list or do some things get dropped? Can you feel the stress of taking too much on affecting you, physically and mentally?
Did you know that it’s ok to say no to people? Some people might ready that and think “Duh!”. But for some, myself included, we try to be helpful, take on too much and then end up too exhausted to relax.
There are times when life gets extremely busy. I see these times as opportunities. Opportunities to learn how to stop life getting so out of hand. So this week, I wrote down all the time I spent on the urgent busy project. Then I figured out a plan so that next time, it will be better planned so I can stay calm, have free time, and still get the work done.
This plan involves spelling out to the person involved how much time the job actually takes and how to plan better in the future. It’s not just a no to pressure and overwork. It’s a solution-based, calm, stress management “No”, that will help me build a better relationship with this person. It also means I won’t be under pressure again.
So to recap on saying no:
1. It’s ok to say no.
2. See situations as learning opportunities.
3. Develop a plan for future situations.
4. Offer the other person a solution based no based on the plan.
5. Result: You manage your time and workload and you build a better relationship with the person!