Just Say "No!"

Guest post by: Stephanie Calahan
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Strategies for Working From Home - By Stephanie Calahan

Did you know that saying "No" can actually be doing a favor for the person you are talking to? Really -- it can!! It is also something that is really hard for overachievers to do. And that is what we are right? As entrepreneurs we take on all kinds of things, but sometimes they are not the right things for the time.

Consider this Situation

You are swamped. You are having difficulty getting things done that are already on your plate, when a good colleague contacts you about an organization that means a lot to you. They are planning a fund-raising event and would like you to participate. You know that you really cannot take on any more.

You Have Choices

* Yes
* No

Which one would you choose? This is a really important organization to you. It will really disappoint your colleague if you say that you cannot participate.

Just Say NO!

Now, I'm not a heartless person. I have a number of community organizations that I work with, but I do say "No" too. Here is why.

If you say "yes," you are compromising your time and priorities. Here are a few scenarios of what could occur:

* You end up being so bogged down that you do a mediocre job on the fund raising project - ultimately the organization that means a lot to you is not as successful because you cannot really spend time on it.

* You feel bitter about having to participate and end up backing out a few months into the project. The colleague that asked you to help now has to take over your portion because it is too late to find someone else. Ultimately, you hurt a relationship and the organization that means a lot to you has lost.

* You neglect other important projects and disappoint those colleagues because you spend time on this fund-raising event.

* You loose sleep trying to do more than you really can afford and ultimately get sick and can do even less.

* Your family gets frustrated with you because you decide to putt off activities with them in order to work the fund-raising event.

Wow! Those are not good outcomes are they? Now let's look at it this way:

* You talk with your colleague and tell him/her that you really appreciate the opportunity to participate, but you cannot take on anything further at this time. You have an idea of someone that might be a great alternative so you mention this as well.

* You tell your colleague that you cannot help in the way requested, but you would be happy to do X.

End result? Your colleague is disappointed, but he/she appreciates your position and staffs the project differently. You are able to feel good about where you spend your time. The organization that means a lot to you benefits from the event and you even participate in the actual event and have a good time even though you did not help in the planning.

Which end result do you like better? How do you feel about saying "No?" Have you ever had good things come out of saying "No?" I'd be interested in hearing your story.

Home > Productivity > Stephanie Calahan > Just Say No > Google +

Free PDF Download
Strategies for Working From Home - By Stephanie Calahan

About the Author: Stephanie Calahan

RSS for Stephanie's articles - Visit Stephanie's website
Stephanie L.H. Calahan (www.StephanieCalahan.com) of Calahan Solutions, Inc. is a dynamic entrepreneur, nationally known expert and speaker, media personality, author, publisher, productivity/ organization consultant, & business start-up coach. She focuses on conducting presentations, personal coaching, productivity assessments & organizing services. She believes that diversity of thought, communication styles, backgrounds, & experiences lead to more innovative, longer-lasting solutions. Steph has worked with hundreds of clients, and understands that every person is unique & requires systems that work for them. As such, she has been featured on/in numerous venues (http://www.calahansolutions.net) She is an active member in many professional organizations & is an active community leader. As such, she has received many awards recognizing her for her contributions. Her corporate and small business expertise as well as her Computer Science & HR backgrounds give her a unique perspective of what works at work. As a wife & mother, she knows family & leisure time is more important than ever.
Click here to visit Stephanie's website.

More from Stephanie Calahan
GREEN Business Practices
How Organized is Your Business Part 3
Delegate Do you know how
Inventories are for More than Your Warehouse
Your Sanity Savers Have Time for the Good Life Part One

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Just Say "No!"

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: