Don’t Overcommit: Ten Ways to Say No

Lately, I’ve been feeling overcommitted. Stretched too thin. Overwhelmed. Considering the summer was supposed to be down time, this is not good. Considering it’s just the beginning of the school year for the kids and me as a School Counselor. . .travel soccer season . . . music lessons . . .girl scouts . . . organizing the church picnic . . . editing the newsletter . . . doing more freelance work. . . planning my daughters’ birthday party . . . and much more, it’s really not good!

So I’ve decided I need to cut back. But that is easier said than done! Everything listed above is something I need to do or want to do. So what does that leave to cut out of my busy schedule? Things I haven’t said yes to . . . yet! Since I have the disease to please, like most women (and some men!), I often commit myself to things because I feel badly saying no.

Not anymore!

So after reading an email I received from my mom with a few ways to say no politely, I decided to add my own to the list and share it with you, just in case you too need to stop saying yes to things that add additional stress to your life.

Ten Ways to Say No

1. My family comes first and they keep me very busy!

2. I have too much on my plate right now.

3. I can’t do “x” but I could do “y”.

4. Maybe next time.

5. I really need to cut back right now.

6. I’m going to have to skip that this year.

7. Thanks for asking, but I’m going to have to pass.

8. I don’t have time to breathe, let alone take on one more thing!

9. I wish I could, but I can’t.

10. No, thank you.

I hope this list will help you stop being overcommitted . . . so you don’t feel you need to be committed due to additional stress!