I hear it all the time in coaching sessions: “I am too busy! There are too many things to do!”

Here’s how you can help yourself – right now:

Say no.

We believe we need to say yes to everything. We believe the other person might be hurt if we say no. We think that saying yes will makes us even more successful.

But the truth is, saying no:

• shows that you know your priorities
• that you value your wellbeing
• that you know what needs to be done

If saying no feels difficult:

• let the other person know it’s not your priority right now
• only accept a new task if an old one goes (if you want to add this to my plate, something else needs to go)

Reframe it: Saying no is not a limitation, it is an assertion of your boundaries. Saying no will gain you respect because it shows that you are clear about what you want.

If you struggle with no, here’s a challenge: Try it out today and let me know how it went and especially how you felt.

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