Do you feel like you are saying yes to too many holiday obligations this year just to be polite? Here are some tips to help you graciously turn down those you truly do not want to participate in.
- Practice saying no. We don’t like to disappoint others. If you practice in the mirror it will help you say it effortlessly.
- Present a united front. Many people will attempt to bring you around, but if a second person is involved they will tend to back down.
- Let another person say no for you. Instead of giving an answer, think about it out loud (list all the other things that are on your plate) and then fall silent. Most will politely let you off the hook.
- Offer what you can do. Set a boundary or negotiate your commitment to what is comfortable for you. Setting limits exudes confidence which tells the other person you won’t change your mind.
- Don’t provide an explanation. Explanations invite debate. Keeping your answer concise indicates that you have made up your mind.
So don’t let yourself become over-booked this holiday season. Yet do participate in the things that make you happy. Gift yourself the gift of saying “no”. Now practice…