One of the biggest sources of wasted time that I see with my clients is the inability to say “no” to requests, even when they don’t have time, don’t want to do it, and/or don’t know how to do it. So learn to just say “No”.

Start with small things, to get into the habit. Say no to a bake sale at your children’s school, or say no to the friend who wants to invite themselves over when all you want is to go to bed. If saying “no” outright is too challenging, use this magic sentence: “Let me get back to you about that, I need to check my schedule/check with my spouse/etc..” This gives you the time to think about it and decide, without pressure, whether you really want to say “yes” or “no”. Then give your answer, as simply as possible. A simple “no, I unfortunately can’t” is enough. You can suggest other people who might be interested if you want to be helpful, but offering lengthy explanations for why you won’t do it opens the door to the other person coming back to you to ask for more.

This being said, it’s tough to say no to your boss when he or she is asking you to add one more thing on an already overflowing plate of tasks. Try this instead: “I’ll be happy to do it, John, however I’m already working on projects A, B, C, and D. Which one would you like me to push back so that I can focus on this new project?” My clients absolutely love the results. On top of making your boss aware of your actual workload, you also put on him or her the decision of what to put on the back burner at that time. More often than not, they’ll say something like: “Oh, no, you need to take care of A,B,C, and D first. Tackle this when you’re done” or, even better “Oh… I’ll give it to Sue, then.”

You’ll suddenly find yourself with more time to get the important things done, and, even more importantly, you’ll feel so much more calm, peaceful and even happy.

Have a fabulous Labor Day weekend, and see you back here next Friday!

Yours in Daily Mastery,
Karin Stewart
MOLI Small Business Time Management Expert
www.DailyMastery.com