Have you noticed how easy it is to say “yes”?
Have you noticed how hard it is to say “no”?
I have never really thought of myself as a yes person until recently.
Yes, I can help you with that. Yes, I’ll be there. Yes, I can take on this project. Yes, I can put a few more hours in. Man, I’m tired!
We directly agree to a lot of things. But have you also considered the things you indirectly say yes to?
Yes, I will respond to business related emails 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Who needs one entire day off from anything work related? It’s just a few emails. Yes, I will continue to allow you to take advantage of me.
Sometimes, we say yes to things because, sure, we really do want to be there or we really would love to help (and have the time available to do so). But, if we are honest with ourselves, there are a lot of things we say yes to because it’s easier than saying no. It’s easier to say yes than to see the disappointment on the other person’s face. It’s easier to say yes because you feel like it’s your job. Sometimes we don’t say no out of fear of the unknown – what will the person say? What will the person do? What will happen as a result of me saying no.
Saying no can definitely be freeing – it can free up your mind, your schedule, your spirit. And you don’t always have to use the word “no.”
Thank you for the invitation, but I’m not available that night. I’m I won’t be able to handle that in the time frame you need. I can handle it next week, or perhaps there is someone else who can help you this week who is more available than I am. No, I will not allow you to treat me this way.
If you really don’t want to attend that event, politely decline. If you don’t want to assume responsibility for a certain part of a project because it will encroach on your personal time or space, suggest another person the task can be delegated to.
Learn to say no. I’m learning…help me feel like I’m not the only one! 
Today: Say no to something or someone.
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Day One: Consider: What kind of clutter do you have in your life?
Day Two: Clear the walkways in your home or office.
Day Three: Clear the clutter off your dining/kitchen table or nightstand.
Day Four: Get rid of old invitations, cards, address books…
Day Five: Clean out your fridge (and freezer).
Day 6: Get rid of old periodicals.
Day 7: Meditate or read something inspirational.
Day 8: Toss items that have negative associations.
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