All too often people find themselves overwhelmed with more commitments than one person can handle.  It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying “yes” to everything that comes your way.  This is something that happens all too often.  Women are especially prone to chronically saying ‘yes’.  Many find themselves wanting to please everyone and get so much done that saying “Yes, I can.” can just fall off the tongue before your mind has even had time to process what the task is and if you even have the time or energy to squeeze it in.

Here are a few tips on how to find balance and learn to say “No” to things that don’t fall in line with your schedule or plans.

1. Figure out what exactly you love doing.

If you’re passionate about something that’s where you should be directing all your energies.  The moment you find something that takes you away from what you love to do that’s when you should respectfully decline.

2. Remember you can’t please everyone.

Sometimes we want to be nice just to satisfy everyone’s requests.  Being too nice can get you into trouble.  Saying yes to too many people or projects can overwhelm a person.  The next thing you know you will realize that you don’t have enough time to finish everything you’ve agreed to do.  In the end you’re the only one who is going to look bad or you’ll be so exhausted you won’t have time do complete your own tasks.

Remember you can’t please everyone.

3. Set your limits and stick to it.

You may have your schedule already filled with several commitments and no time for anything else.  Set a limit for how much or how many hours you are willing to commit to tasks.  Once you’ve reached your limit then anything else that comes your way should get the simple response of “No.”

4. Stand your ground.

Often when a person says “no”, the other party making the request can say or do things to make a person feel guilty for the decision.  Don’t allow others to change your mind.  It’s important that you stand your ground because it not only shows you are serious but it also shows that you have a level of respect for yourself and people will take you seriously.

Hopefully these four tips will help you get on your way to saying no when the time is appropriate.  Learning to manage your time and your life is one of the important keys to balance and success in anything.