I decided that one of the things I needed to work on doing better this year, is saying “No.”
So far, I’ve had overall improvement in this area, but I still need help!
When I saw this list by Claire Diaz-Ortizof of 50 ways to say it, I had to share it with all of you who may be struggling with the same thing. I mean, seriously, just saying no is really hard, right?
Right?
50 Ways to Say No
- No.
- Nope.
- No thanks, I won’t be able to make it.
- Not this time.
- No thanks, I have another commitment.
- Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.
- Sadly I have something else.
- Unfortunately not.
- I have something else. Sorry.
- Maybe another time.
- Sounds great, but I can’t commit.
- I’m booked into something else.
- I’m not able to make that time.
- Thanks, but no thanks.
- I’m not able to make it this week/month/year.
- I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
- I’m not taking on anything else right now.
- Bandwidth is low, so I won’t be able to make it work.
- I wish I could make it work.
- Not possible.
- I wish I were able to.
- If only I could!
- I’d love to — but can’t.
- Darn! Not able to fit it in.
- Rats! Would’ve loved to.
- I’m slammed.
- Perhaps next season when things clear up.
- I’m at the end of my rope right now so have to take a raincheck.
- I’ll need to bow out.
- I’m taking some time.
- Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.
- I’m in a season of NO.
- I’m not the girl for you on this one.
- I’m learning to limit my commitments.
- I’m not taking on new things.
- Another time might work.
- I’m not sure I’m the best for it.
- No thank you, but it sounds lovely.
- It sounds like you’re looking for something I’m not able to give right now.
- I believe I wouldn’t fit the bill, sorry.
- It’s not a good idea for me.
- Not now.
- I’m trying to cut back.
- I won’t be able to help.
- If only I had a clone!
- I’m not able to set aside the time needed.
- I won’t be able to dedicate the time I need to it.
- I’m head-down right now on a project, so won’t be able to.
- I wish there were two of me!
- I’m honored, but can’t.
I guess you could bookmark this and refer to it while you’re on the phone or you get an email from someone asking you to do something that you don’t have time to be doing. Maybe it would give you a creative way to say no?
If you can’t find one you like here, don’t worry, Claire put together a follow-up of 99 ways to say no!
Do you need to say No more often?
KentJulian says
Great list!
#5 is really good when stated honestly.
Eric Dye says
I thought so, too. It really jumped out at me, as it somehow seems more positive than negative for being a, “No.”
Jonathan Ober says
I know I need to do better at this, not just with regards to work, but even as my kids grow with saying “No” to family and extra curriculum things like sports and school plays. I hope that I can instill in my children the desire to choose one or two things that can bring God glory and challenge their faith instead of just being busy and doing something just to do something.
Eric Dye says
I know that feel. In our “you can have it all” culture, the idea of saying “No” has become a foreign concept.