To protect yourself from over-commitment, a simple “No,” can become as important as a fairy godmother. If we say “Yes,” when we mean “No,” oftentimes the result is stress, anxiety, and even sleepless nights.
Tips to help you find some serenity and peace are derived from an early book of mine: The Art of Decision Making. In order to combat overload consider the following:
- Make a list of all of the things you plan to do today and separate according to family and friends, finances, and household.
- Create a list of immediate as well as long-term projects looming over you.
- Prioritize and add a time allotment next to each project—at least one hour because very little is accomplished in 15 minutes and the hour gives you time to handle interruptions.
- If you have already over-scheduled yourself, when asked to do one more thing, learn to say “No” without offering an excuse.
- Have an answer ready when you are pressed: “I am not able to give you an answer at this time.”
- Write down the top three time-stealers that thwart your serenity.
- Learn to like the sound of “No,” while you practice saying, “I really need to get back to you,” when pressed for an answer. Take a few precious moments to think about what you really want to be doing and respond in a way that honestly reflects your feelings.
A piece of advice given me some time ago by a New York Times colleague still holds true today. If you are too busy to do something tomorrow, you will be even busier next week, and totally overwhelmed next month because life and responsibilities keep moving along with you.
Saying “No” will give you a certain peace of mind and a sense of serene power.
Copyright Rita Watson 2022