I am definitely a recovering people-pleaser (and still tend to lean that way to be honest). For years I hated saying no because I thought it meant that I would be disappointing or letting someone down. And I was stuck there.

Let me say this: making decisions based on someone else’s opinion of you is never a good idea. 

Now, I find it so much easier to say no and I find that people are a lot more gracious than I gave them credit for. Of course I will never please everyone but I’ve gotten to the point where I’m OK with that.

Here are 10 creative ways to say “no” – try one this week!

1. “No, thank you.”
Short and sweet.

2. “I do not have the margin to do that right now.”
Your schedule is full, simple as that.

3. “I appreciate the opportunity but I don’t think I can fit it into my schedule.”
You value them but again, your schedule is full.

4. “Thank you for asking but I am not able to at this time.”
Showing them gratitude but communicating that you can’t do XYZ.

5. “So sorry but I will have to take a rain check.”
Maybe next time!

6. “I promised my kids we would ___________ (fill in the blank).”
NO ONE can argue after you say you want to spend time with your kids.

7. “I have other plans but thank you for asking!”
Vague, but honest.

8. “I am not able to help with this but I know someone who can!”
DELEGATE!

9. “I can’t join you this time but please ask me again another time!”
You genuinely want to do it another time, it just won’t fit into your schedule right now.

10. “I can’t do XYZ but is there another way I can help?”
Maybe you can’t do it how and when they want but you could help in another way that works better for you.