Time Management Tip
Learn to Say No
Often, the difference between being in control of time or time controlling us is the ability to say a simple two-letter word, no. We get caught up in a false sense of obligation: quid pro quo obligation to friends, the need to please family or performance obligations at work. In all areas of life, there are times when no is the best response.
Saying no doesn’t have to be confrontational. There are ways to say no gently, with tact.
- Thank you for asking, but I don’t have the time right now.
- Let them know you are unavailable.
- My schedule is full now, but I can do it in (x) weeks.
- Say no to the request, but offer to complete a smaller task as an alternative.
- Ask your boss which project is more critical for you to complete.
- Offer to find someone else who can do it.
- When the request conflicts with personal principles, tell them you are not comfortable doing it.
Saying no is a tough lesson to learn. With practice, it will get easier. And, the more you do it, the more control you will have over your time.
Technorati Tags: GTD, Time Managment, Getting Things Done, Productivity
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I really need to learn how to do this!