You Can't Do Everything, So Stop Trying! Knowing when to "Just Say No"!

Is it easier for you to say yes when a client or associate asksyou for a favor? If so, now is the time to realize you can't doeverything. Face it--there are only so many hours in a day, and ifyou don't say no at some point, you'll never get ahead (orany sleep!).

1. Be selfish with your time. When you say yes to onething, often you'll have to say no to something more enjoyable.Look at your schedule and determine whether you really have time totackle one more project. If not, be honest, be direct. Say no.

2. When there's no more room left on your plate, letthe person know you're too busy to meet his request, thenrecommend someone else for the task. Keep in mind that whomever yourecommend is a reflection on you. Don't suggest someone unlessyou have first-hand knowledge of his or her capabilities.

3. If you know you'll be unable to meet yourclient's deadline, discuss a more realistic date. If youcan't compromise, be diplomatic and turn down the project. Someclients will gladly wait for you to begin working on theirproject.

4. Offer an alternative to no. If an associate asks youto help him with a project, review your own deadlines. If you haveno time to help him with a certain aspect of his project, offer tohelp with a smaller task. You could even switch tasks with thatperson. He may enjoy doing a task you despise and vice versa.

Lisa Kanarek (http://www.everythingsorganized.com">www.everythingsorganized.com) is a home office organizingexpert and author of several books, including Organizing YourHome Office For Success (Blakely Press) and 101 Home OfficeSuccess Secrets (Career Press).