20 Ways To Say No
By Ramona Creel
Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own "do-it-yourself" organizing projects.

I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS
  • let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
  • no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time
  • no one will fault you for having already filled your plate
I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT
  • you might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues
  • the people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.
  • this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation
I AM NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
  • you aren't saying that you will never help out again
  • just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
  • understanding your limits is a skill that is expected of you
I AM NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB
  • if you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay
  • it's better to admit your limitations up front
  • the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road
I DO NOT ENJOY THAT KIND OF WORK
  • life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it?
  • don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to
  • someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't
I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM IN MY CALENDAR
  • be honest if your schedule is filled
  • "filled" doesn't have to mean really filled
  • know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop
I HATE TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION AMONG PROJECTS
  • let people know that you want to do a good job for them
  • but you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered
  • you will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time
I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT
  • it doesn't matter what the commitment is
  • it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
  • you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available
I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THAT
  • volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills
  • suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area
  • offer to help out with something that you already know how to do
I KNOW YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF
  • people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
  • let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
  • you are actually doing them a favor in the long run
I NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON MY PERSONAL LIFE
  • don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
  • having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself
  • be willing to put your personal needs first
I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY CAREER RIGHT NOW
  • often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task
  • you may have to give up some civic or community duties
  • if you don't do it, someone else will take on the task
I NEED TO LEAVE SOME FREE TIME FOR MYSELF
  • it's okay to be selfish -- in a good way!
  • treat your personal time like any other appointment
  • block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life
I WOULD RATHER DECLINE THAN DO A MEDIOCRE JOB
  • know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product
  • the reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc.
  • whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down
I WOULD RATHER HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK
  • saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all
  • if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
  • then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable
LET ME HOOK YOU UP WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN DO IT
  • if you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource
  • helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
  • make sure the person you refer will represent you well
NO
  • sometimes it's okay to just say no!
  • just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy
  • leave the door open for good relations
NOT RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER
  • if you really want to help but don't have time, say so
  • offer to help at a later time or date
  • if they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else
SOME THINGS HAVE COME UP THAT NEED MY ATTENTION
  • unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off
  • accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
  • it is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes
THIS REALLY IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT
  • it's okay to admit your limitations
  • knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill
  • your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter and other obstacles standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Reprinted with permission courtesy of
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