Learning when to say no

I am brilliant at saying ‘yes’ to things – even when I know quite clearly the answer should be ‘no’. I can be quite certain that there is no way I can take on the commitment being asked of me but still hear ‘yes, sure’ tumble out of my mouth. I don’t know if it is fear of letting people down or what, but it has happened at various times in my life with various consequences, so from now on if an ask doesn’t meet one of the below, the answer is NO.

Does it bring me JOY?
This a great reason for doing almost anything. Almost.

Does it pay my bills?
A girl has got to live. Especially a single one.

Is it a personal priority of mine?
For me, examples of these would be exercise, family commitments, church and other things that I think are important to invest my time in, even when I don’t feel like it.

Is it part of a vision of mine that I want to see realised?
This is simply a reminder than other people will love to have you work on their projects and you may make other people’s art, businesses, dreams, music and plans see the light of day while yours remain half-sketched or forgotten.

If the answer is NO to all of the above, say NO. Only go forward if you have a yes -- ideally two or, better still, three.
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Then ask if it leaves enough time for eating, sleeping and watering the plants. A further yes, and you are good to go.