Posted on: 04 June, 2002

Author: Dr. Donald E. Wetmore

I used to put everyone else’s requests and needs first andif there was any time left over at the end of the day for what I ... wanted to do, that was ... That is until I began to realize I used to put everyone else’s requests and needs first andif there was any time left over at the end of the day for what I neededand wanted to do, that was acceptable. That is until I began to realizethat if you and I are going to be effective time managers, we have tostay away from allocating our time solely on the basis of those who demandit. Instead, if you and I are going to be effective time managers, wehave to allocate our time on the basis of those who deserve it.I don’t mean this in any negative or arrogant way. It’s justyou have limits to the amount of time you have to spend and so one ofthe most powerful words in your Time Management vocabulary is theword, “no”. Almost everyone you encounter will think they have a betteridea about how you should be spending your time. It doesn’t make othersbad. It’s just the way the world works. If there is a void in yourTime Management life, someone, or many for that matter, will jump in to fillthat spot. The problem is that they do not have the full understandingof where you are taking your life and if you keep saying “yes”, they willcontinue to take up your time, possibly keeping you from accomplishingwhat you really want to do.“No” is sometimes difficult to say because you have beentaught differently. You have been taught to say, “yes”, to please,to serve, and to accommodate. There is nothing wrong with saying “yes”most of the time, but occasionally there is a line you choose not tocross, when saying “yes” is really not the best use of your time to getyou to where you need and want to be.If you had unlimited amounts of time, you could “yes” allthe time to everyone. But you don’t. You have 24 hours each day, 7 daysa week for a total of 168 hours. And you get to spend that time onlyonce, so you have to spend it wisely.I have listed seventeen ways here to say “no”. Don’t let meput the words in your mouth. Take the ones you like, change themaround and you use the words that are comfortable for you. The point is, ifyou are ever in a position when you can never say “no”, then you arealways saying “yes”, and like the song says, “If you don’t standfor something, you will fall for everything”.Try these:“I’m sorry. That’s not a priority for me right now.”“I can’t help you on this now, but I can get to it nextweek. Would that be okay?”“I have so much on my plate now I don’t know when I can getto it. But I do know someone over here who can help you now.”“Before I take this on for you, let me show you a few thingsso that you might be able to do it yourself.”“I have made so many commitments to others, it would beunfair to them and you if I took on anything more at this point.”“If I can’t give you a ride to the school dance on Friday,how else would you get there safely?”“I don’t know how soon I can help you on this, but I willget back to you as soon as I am free to help you.”“I’m sure we’re close enough that when I say “no” you’llunderstand it’s for a good reason.”“Sure I can help you with your request as long as we bothagree and understand that the item I agreed to do for you yesterday isgoing to have to wait.”“Before I take this over from you, what do you think weought to do about it?”“I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is, I surecan do that for you. The bad news is, I’m so overloaded with everythingelse, I’ve become delirious and have been lying about my commitments.”“When I get overwhelmed like I am now, I remove every thirdperson who asks me for something, from my “Good Friends List” and thesecond person just left.”“No.”“Thanks for thinking to ask me, but, no thanks.”“I would like to help you out on this but you understand Idon’t have the resources available to do the right job for you.”“Now that’s the type of thing I would love to help you on ifonly I had the time.”“Just like you, I get overloaded sometimes and have to tellsome very special people, “no”. This is one of those times.”And as you speak, smile.Want some easy tips to help you to get more from your bosswithout having to say “no”? Get your free copy now of “The BossQuestion”. Email your request for “boss” to: mailto:[email protected] your free Timely Time Management Tips on a regularbasis to increase your personal productivity and get more out ofevery day? Sign up now for your free “TIMELY TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS”. Just goto: http://www.topica.com/lists imemanagement and select“subscribe”. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com