Learn to Say No by Always Asking for Time to Think
Some of us find it difficult to say no to people. Whether it’s a personal favor, a job you don’t have time for, or an invitation to an event you don’t feel like attending, we all agree from time to time to things we don’t really want to do. If you are struggling with this, stop overloading yourself and always ask for time to think.
For some, this is not a problem. But for debtors and people who please people, it is our intuition to say yes to every request, even if it is unfounded or we are not sure if we have time for it. If you find it difficult to say no, Tiny Buddha suggests the following:
Setting new boundaries with the people you love is never easy and takes time. The main thing is to take a deep breath and take a step back when you find yourself in the pleasant zone for people. Say, “I’m not sure yet if I can come back to you?” this is a step in the right direction. This gives you time to think about the problem and you won’t feel pressured to make a decision.
It helps to ask this question in every situation in which you are not 100% sure you can make a commitment. This gives you the habit of asking about it no matter what. The next time you feel like saying yes, use that as a trigger so you don’t forget to ask for more time. For some, this may be a natural question, but for those who find it difficult to say no, it is worth keeping this in mind.
Saying “Yes” When We Mean “No”: Quitting the Habit | Tiny buddha