For so many of us go-getter ladies, it can be hard to say no! We are afraid of letting others down, or missing an opportunity. Here at BBM we want you to pursue your passions and invest your life into what matters most, and that means you can't say “Yes” to every request. To help, our team came up with twenty-five sentences you can use to say no to the things that don’t matter — and yes to things that do! (Our faves in bold.)
- Oh, I love this project you have in mind and hope it goes really well! Right now I don't have the margin to help you, but you might ask so-and-so?
- Family time is a very strong priority for me, and I'm afraid this task wouldn't allow me to be fully present with my kids. Thanks, though!
- Currently, I don’t have the margin to commit to this request But please keep me in mind for future projects.
- I would love to say yes, but ‘No’ needs to be my answer.
- No. (This one-word answer IS a complete sentence, after all.)
- I am unable to help you move this project forward, but I can provide a few resources that will point you in the right direction.
- Thank you so much for thinking of me! But I have to pass.
- I really appreciate you identifying my skill set as one that might enrich this project, but I am focusing my efforts on a limited number of projects at the time.
- Thank you, but I’m not the best person to help.
- Right now is not a good time for me to take on additional responsibilities.
- I’m giving a ‘No’ for today.
- I’m not able to make that time.
- I’m learning to limit my commitments.
- It is not possible for me to say yes.
- Gonna have to flex my ‘No Muscle’ on this one!
- Oh, I would love to help you. But I’m not able to dedicate the care this project needs.
- If only there were two of me!
- This won’t be a good fit for me.
- My schedule is booked, but thanks.
- If I could, I would!
- I’m disinclined to acquiesce your request. (If you want to throw a pop culture reference!)
- I’m being very selective with handing out yes's these days!
- I’ll have to pass. But I hope as many people discover you and your talent as you can handle!
- I have already outlined my priorities for this month, and am unable to commit to anything not already on my list.
- You know, the Brilliant Life Planner has really been helping me identify what matters most. And I’m giving all I’ve got to a few, set priorities. Because of that new focus in my life, I’m going to have to say no. But I’m glad this project is a deep passion of yours!
See? That wasn’t too hard 🙂 If you struggle with saying ‘No’ have a look at our Brilliant Life Planner. With our unique goal setting system and ability to choose your top priorities each week, you’ll have increased confidence in your ability to say yes to what matters most.
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