Imagine: You're working through a long list of tasks when a coworker approaches you, asking for help. How do you respond? Do you usually say yes?

If you're reading this, chances are you do.

More often than not, saying yes will end up hurting both the company and yourself.

Either the workload becomes too much, causing you to miss deadlines, or you spend long hours working, which affects your health and productivity.

Today, I’ll discuss why saying no is important. I’ll explore why we often say yes, explain the benefits of saying no, and share tips on how to do it politely.

Let’s dive in.

People Say Yes to Avoid Feeling Guilty.

1. Most people avoid confrontation. This is why you end up saying yes—to dodge the awkwardness. Plus, you never know how the other person will react.

2. The work environment often encourages people-pleasing. Factors like job hierarchy and how others perceive you may impact your career.

3. Finally, people think they can handle it. You tend to overestimate your capabilities and how much time you have. At some point, it starts to pile up and becomes overwhelming.

With a clear understanding of why you feel guilty, you can begin to overcome these biases. Next, let’s explore why saying no can be beneficial.

Why say No?

It helps you be focused so you can do more. Completing a lot of tasks doesn’t always mean they’re done well. I've seen it often—people think they’re being productive but end up with little to show for it.

The task might blow up on your face because you weren’t being realistic Eagerness and willingness aren’t the issue. It’s if your abilities can execute the tasks being asked of you.

Mental well-being. Not everyone has the same standards of work ethic. Some can handle more, some less. You have to be aware of your capacity. If you want to get better, pushing yourself bit by bit.

Prevents you from achieving your personal goals. Each person has limited attention span each day. (Learn more here) You can’t achieve your goals if you don’t have the energy for it.

Now, let’s proceed with understanding when you should say no.

When to Say No

Remember, there’s no hard-rule. Sometimes the desire to be noticed drives the decision, other times you might have free time, or you simply want to help.

Ask yourself these questions and see if it makes sense:

• Does it support my goals?

• Do I like helping my friends?

• Do I have the time and energy to do this?

• Is this going to affect my current tasks?

• What is the urgency and impact of the task?

• Will it contribute and eventually lead to burnout?

Now you understand when to say no. It’s time to learn how.

Saying No is a Skill.

That’s the mindset you need to develop first. The more you say no, the better and more comfortable you’ll become at it.

1. Practices makes perfect. At first, it’ll be uncomfortable because you’re not used to it. Eventually, it will feel natural.

2. Communicate clearly. Saying no is a form of rejection so make sure the person you’re talking to understands why you’re saying no.

3. Be respectful. Always consider the choice of words and tone you use, as well as the time of day when you say it.

4. It’s not how you say it, but how they understood it. This can be the trickiest part. Talking over the phone is different from meeting in person—you miss social cues that could help explain your situation, and your message might be misinterpreted.

Keep in mind, saying no is also a form of communication. Happy no-ing!

That’s it for this week. See you next Tuesday!