For a long time, I waited too long to say no. I would agree to something quickly, then later realize my week was already too full. Sometimes the request was small. Sometimes it was something I technically could do, but only by squeezing it into a day that already had enough in it. The problem was not that I never said no.The problem was that I usually said no too late.
By the time I finally pushed back, I had already spent time thinking about it, rearranging things, or trying to make it work. So I tried a simple experiment for one week: I practiced saying no earlier. Not harshly. Not automatically. Not to everything. I just tried to pause before agreeing and give clearer answers before my schedule became too crowded.
Here’s what helped. (more…)
