There simply isn't enough time to fit everything in that you want to do, let alone everything that other people want you to do, whether your partner or boss.

 

Saying no and feeling comfortable saying no with confidence and conviction is something that you can learn until it becomes second nature.

 

At the moment especially, with so much uncertainty in our economy, many people feel under pressure to say yes to additional tasks out of fear of losing their jobs. Some unscrupulous employers are taking advantage of this, but people have long memories and will vote with their feet when the economy picks up.   

  

 

Often people say yes because they want to be liked, they want to impress or because they feel they have to look after other people's needs. It can also be because of a lack of confidence and putting their own needs last.

 

So why is it important to learn to say 'no'?

• You will have greater satisfaction if you focus your time on things important to you - your goals and values
• Having clear boundaries preserves time for you
• It will stop people taking advantage of you for their own agenda
• It will help you manage your energy and time
• Responsibilities at work increasingly have 'rubber' boundaries and the number of tasks you can do is infinite!
• It is empowering to stand your ground
• You'll avoid unnecessary resentment/frustration which is bad for your health

Common situations where you wish you'd said no!

A seemingly small decision to say yes instead of no has huge ramifications and affects many things; personal relationships, friendships, children, pets, mother in laws. Can you relate to any of these consequences of saying yes when you wanted to say no:

 

Read on for 5 tips to say 'no' more comfortably.