50 Ways to Say No

Too often I find myself being asked to do things.  Many of those things I don’t want to do, but I end up doing them anyway.  I should just say no. I constantly have to remind myself that No is a complete sentence. If this resonates, this is just for you!

It is probably the most powerful word in the English language.

To live an authentic life, I have to stand in my truth and just say how I feel. Saying no is vital to my happiness and I cannot put anyone else before me.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.

In an effort to help with this, I have come up with 50 ways to say no. Tell me what you think.

1. No!
2. Hell No!
3. It’s not working for me!
4. I won’t be able to do that!
5. I’m not feeling that!
6. I don’t plan on it!
7. I’ll think about it!
8. I have no intention of doing that!
9. I’m unavailable!
10. I have plans.
11. I’m not interested!
12. Right now is not good for me.
13. It’s not on my list.
14. Absolutely not!
15. I’m don’t have time.
16. I’m not good at that.
17. Been there, done that!
18. I’ll let you know when I am ready to do that.
19. Let me check my schedule and get back to you.
20. Can I get a rain check?
21. I am doing me right now and I can’t.
22. I have so many other things going on at this time.
23. I’ll have to see.
24. I’ll see if I can get a babysitter.
25. I’m sure you can find someone more qualified.
26. It’s tempting but I will pass.
27. I can’t make that promise.
28. It’s so last-minute, but thanks for thinking of me.
29. I wish I could but I can’t.
30. This is a really hectic time for me and I can’t.
31. Maybe next time.
32. I need to focus more on my personal life.
33. I have no experience in that.
34. I can’t commit to this at this time.
35. Now is not a good time.
36. I need more information.
37. Not gonna do it!
38. Ain’t gonna happen!
39. Not today. I have a headache.
40. No, but thanks for the invitation.
41. I’m not in a position to…
42. I decline.
43. I’d love to help, but I’m overextended.
44. I can’t afford that.
45. I’m sorry, I can’t.
46. I’m not broke, but I can’t lend anything.
47. My plate is full.  Maybe someone else would be better at it.
48. I’m so sorry.  I’ve already committed to another event.
49. I have another commitment.
50. Some things have come up that need my attention.  I hope you understand.

I hope that these are as helpful to you as they are to me.  I will be printing this and posting this somewhere I can remember for easy use. I may need to put it in my wallet and carry it with me. Feel free to add any “expletive/sentence enhancers” to get your point across.

And again the next time you need to turn down, refuse, not accommodate or disappoint, “No” is a complete sentence.  Use it sometime.

What is your favorite way to say no?