YES! Yes, I’ll do it - Too easy.

Sorry No - Too hard.

If, like me, you are presented with a dozen or so opportunities a week (thank you LinkedIn) ...  

If you have well-meaning souls aiming to make your life richer, more fulfilled, etc ...

If you feel like you don’t have enough time to get through the important stuff ...

Then learning how to say No is one of the greatest skills you can master.

Here are three ideas to help.

Immediate Situations and Requests

Practice saying these words:

‘Thank you for the opportunity/request.  However, I’m unable to do that.  Good luck.’

That’s quite different from:

'Can I think about it? I’ll let you know. Yes, but… Not right now, ask me later.'

Future Opportunities and Events

When you receive an invitation for something at a point in the future, ask yourself this question:  'If this were happening today would I say yes?'

If it looks so great and you would love to attend/get involved today, say yes.  If not, politely decline.

Ultimate Question

This only works if you are clear on your goals and life’s purpose. Ask yourself this question:

'Will saying ‘yes’ take me closer towards my goal or move me further away?'

What are your ideas for saying No when the pressure is on to say Yes. Please share your ideas here.