Are you one of the many that finds it difficult to be assertive and say "no" to people's requests? Let us be honest, there just aren't enough hours in the day to appease EVERYONE, so, the art of saying "no" without hurting the feelings of others becomes a very important skill to acquire.

Just because you need to say "no" doesn't mean you have to be rude about it. Trust me, there are plenty of assertive, yet polite, ways by which you can tell people "no" when the need arises.

Here are some ways you can say "no" without being rude or impolite:

1. "No" to now, but "yes" to later. "I'm very busy at the moment. Perhaps someone else can help you. If not, I'll have time later in the week to help you out."

This is a great way to say "no." It's assertive, but also positive and kind. You let the person know there's no way you can do what they are asking at the moment. However, you give them the option to ask someone else or wait until you have the time to help out. If possible, I would even suggest who that other person might be - as long as you believe they could actually help.

2. "No" unless something changes. "I'm very flattered that you have asked me. But, I am not currently in a position where I can that on. Perhaps we could talk about it another time in case circumstances change."

This statement says "no" while still being very polite. You let them know how thrilled you are that they have asked you, but then you are honest about how little time you have to commit to their request. You have also left the ball back in their court on getting back to you another time, rather then taking it on to get back to them.

3. A definitive "No." "I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am not able to. I am afraid that I will overextend myself."
This answer while still being very kind and polite enables them to understand where you are coming from.

Here, you express regret for having to disappoint them, yet you still let them know that this is a solid "no."

Undoubtedly, they will understand you do not want to overextend yourself, which makes them sympathetic to your plight as well.

4. "No" to attend an event. "I had a great time before, but I won't be able to make it this time I already have something planned."

At times you may get asked to an event you do not have time to attend or you honestly do not want to attend. Do not feel you are obligated to go. This statement lets the person know you have had a great time in the past, yet you are already scheduled for something else or busy this time around.

5. "No" to loaning money. "I really wish I could but I make it my practice not to loan money to friends and family."
You let them know that you wish you could loan them the money, yet you go on to explain why you will not do so. Making it clear that this is the practice you have for everyone, and you are not just saying "no" to them personally.

Money is often the one thing that many people ask for from their friends and family. It is a difficult situation and you walk a fine line to avoid insulting them or hurting their feelings. This statement is a nice way to be assertive and say "no" while still being kind.

For some reason, parents (and I speak from experience) all too often feel the need to always say "yes." Whether to helping in your child's classroom, working at a PTA function, or going to yet another classmate's birthday party, you may feel like these are things you must fit into your already busy schedule. Avoid that must feeling.

Remember, you can take control of your family's calendar - and your sanity - by saying "no" to some offers that come your way. Saying "no" in a pleasant tone of voice will not lose you any friends; but it will allow you to set boundaries so you can enjoy life rather than racing through it.

Think Successfully & Take Action!

Tracy

Today's Top Motivated Coach & Author of Success Atlas Programs.
http://www.SuccessAtlas.com
Looking to start living the life you deserve and desire - check out Tracy's eBook "Write Your Success Story" http://www.WriteYourSuccessStory.com