TIPS FOR LEARNING HOW TO SAY "NO"

1.  Practice saying "NO" to requests from people who are
not close to you (such as telemarketers or store salespeople).
2.  Understand that it is a desire to please others that often prevents you from
saying "no".  When you attempt to always please others, you will find that you will
be overworked in handling their requests.  In addition, people respect
others who have the courage to say no to inappropriate requests.
3.  When someone persists in trying to get you to say yes,
keep repeating your answer until the other person gets your message.
4.  Don't try to do everything.  Understand what you excel at
and build on your strengths.
5.  Be both polite and firm when you say no.  Giving a vague response
only builds false hopes and will encourage the other person to keep asking you.
6.  Offer alternatives to the person who is asking you to do something.
For example, you might not be able to handle their request today,
but you might be able to do it some time next week.
7.  When you know you are going to be in a situation where you will likely
be asked to do something you don't want to do, practice saying no in your mind
and have a rationale ready to justify your no, if required.
8.  When in doubt, say no.
It is generally easier to say yes later, than it is to say no.
9.  Remind people that you have other projects/tasks to complete
before you can start something new.
10.  When you know you will be facing some difficult decision,
discuss your choices with a friend before you actually have to say yes or no.