No can be the hardest word in the world to say. Have you ever noticed that? You are faced with a question that you KNOW you should say no to and yet the word "yes" comes out of your mouth.

Later you are kicking yourself - "how did I ever get put in this position?"

In my on-going quest to prioritize my life (yeah, so how's that going for ya?) I find that my inability to say no tends to mess up my great prioritizing plans. I observe others who seem to have their life in better order than mind, I have discovered their unique difference: their ability to say no while SOUNDING like they are saying yes.

Can you be on this committee?

YES, I would love to help, as soon as my commitment with this other organization is completed. In the meantime, you might consider asking Sue, Jim or Sally.

Was that smooth or what?

Can you have it done by 5pm tomorrow?

1. Let me check my current commitments and give you a call tomorrow. I can at least have the first component done by 5pm tomorrow.

2. I might be able to complete the project by 5pm, however, it wouldn't be as thoroughly researched or have the same depth of creativity as if I had three days to complete the project. I'll let you decide which you would prefer.


I know you have asked for $1,000 fee but my budget only allows for $500 - can you do the job for $500?

1. I certainly understand budget constraints. My business operates the same way. I would be happy to do A,B,C of the project for $500 and get you started.

2. I certainly understand budget constraints. My business operates the same way. I would be happy to suggest another company just starting out would may be able to complete the project within your budgetary guidelines.

What other circumstances have you encountered that you've needed to say no and yet didn't know how?

Let me leave you with this one comment about saying no (especially when it comes to charity work) and feeling guilty:

You may think that if you say no, then the project, task, responsibility won't get done but if you say no - it opens the door for someone else to step in and gain the exposure and experience. Puts a different spin on it, doesn't it?

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Professional Writer, Chronic Yes Man
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