1. Value Your Time

Even if you do have some extra time (which, for many of us, is rare), is this new commitment really the way you want to spend that time?

However, for others, work is their priority, and helping on extra projects could mean the chance for a promotion or raise.

It’s all about knowing ...

Again, it’s important to be polite, but being nice by saying yes all the time only hurts you.

When you make it easy for people to grab your time (or money), they will continue to do it.

However, if you erect a wall or they will look for easier targets.

Show them that your tim...

Simply say so—you can compliment the idea, the project, the person, the organization—but say that it’s not the right fit, or it’s not what you’re looking for at this time. Only say this if it’s true, as people can sense insincerity.

It’s a simple fact that you can never be productive if you take on too many commitments—you simply spread yourself too thin and will not be able to get anything done, at least not well or on time.

That’s why the art of saying no can be a game changer for productivity.

Requests for you...

Practice makes perfect. Saying “no” as often as you can is a great way to get better at it and more comfortable with saying NO.

Sometimes, repeating the word is the only way to get a message through to extremely persistent people.

When they keep insisting, just keep saying no. Eventu...