Graceful “NO” BALANCING COMMITMENTS AS A CHRISTIAN SOLOPRENEUR

There are ways to say “no” in a way that is positive. Express your appreciation for being considered for the opportunity, but gently explain that you will have to decline this time.  Practice these and be ready to be honest about your ability to commit to taking on additional responsibilities. Here are some tips to make it less difficult:
® Thank you so much for thinking of me, it sounds like a great opportunity to help out.  I’ll have to check my schedule and see if I can make the commitment this is going to require.

® I appreciate you asking me to participate. Unfortunately, I don’t have my evenings open to take on new commitments.

®I’m sorry; my schedule is so jam-packed right now.  I’d love to help, but I just don’t see how I could fit it in with my other commitments.  If anything changes and I am able to help, I will contact you.

Remember your values and faith are what should drive your behavior.  Having what really matters is about prioritizing those things that are important to you. When you don’t your life will seem strangely out of balance. You’ll experience that nagging sense that something just isn’t quite right.

Quick tips on saying no

• Never allow yourself to feel pressured to say yes when the task is beyond your competency.
• Don’t just say “no” because you can. Ask for a day or so to think it over before giving your answer.
• Make sure you are not turning down an opportunity that could stretch your skill set simply because you are afraid of the challenge.
• Don’t allow yourself to say “no” because you are afraid of failure.  If you have been presented with an opportunity that will help you to face your fear, consider using this time to conquer that fear. Be honest about why you want to say “no” and strongly reconsider.
• Devote your full attention to what you are being asked to do. Are you clear about what the request entails?
• Ask specific questions about what your role would be. You may have misunderstood, and the project requires less of a time commitment than you initially anticipated.
• Be careful to monitor your tone and make sure your attitude is one of gratitude that you were being considered for the task.  Be humble and considerate of the person who needed your help. Humble not guilty!
• When saying “no” be assertive not aggressive.
• If you know someone else who would be great for the project and may have time, suggest an alternative for the project.
• If you have other commitments, giving a reason is considerate. 
• Be respectful and politely decline to participate.
• If you find the task interesting and would like to participate in a similar project at a later time, let the person know that you may be interested if a similar opportunity comes up later.

If you can negotiate time or specifics, be open to the idea. Negotiate your role and your level of participation when possible.