Setting Boundaries: Learn to Say "No"

Are you saying "Yes" too often?

If the answer yes, you are not alone! However, when you "yes" to something, you are saying "no" to something else.

Unfortunately, for many of us, making ourselves a priority is the last priority.

At some point, we have to set boundaries if we want to see real change in our lives. 

Here are a few tips on how to say "No"

When someone asks you to commit to something, pause and do not answer immediately.

Thank them for the opportunity and let them know you will get back to them as soon as possible. This will give you the time to reflect. Is this something you really want to do? Does it fit with your current schedule? What are you saying "no" to if you say "yes" to this? 

If it does not fit into your priorities, thank them for the opportunity and politely let them know it isn’t going to work.

Stay firm and say it like you mean it. You don’t want to use words like "maybe" and be wishy-washy. 

Schedule your time and gate it for the most important things.

If your goal is to exercise in the morning at 8 am, be sure to gate this time, protect it. Do not schedule appointments or let anything else compete during this time. 

Practice saying "no."

Many folks with ADHD are people-pleasers and they don’t want to let anyone down. So the next time, it seems like an easy decision to say "no," look at it as practice and do it. Take the old belief that you have a hard time setting boundaries to the new belief that you can and let go of the guilt.

Thank you for your time and attention...

Take Care, 

Nikki