Why “Not Yet” Is A Game Changer
This is only a short read, but it might save your sanity in the long-run!
It is my personal opinion that most people are good, and always want to do what they can to help others.
I’ve never been the sort of person to say “No” when I’ve been asked to do something (unless I physically can’t do it)!
It’s never nice to say “no” to someone.
We lead busy lives, and task managers can be overflowing with reminders, jobs that need doing, projects to complete.
Imagine the scenario (let’s face it, you probably don’t need much imagination!)
At work, your manager asks you to pick up some more work.
What do you do?
You’re up to your eyes in work, and don’t have the capacity to pick up anything else.
There is strength in saying “No”. It shows that you are in control of what you’re doing.
BUT… some might perceive this as a weakness; and you might not want to jeopardise your future prospects.
If you don’t want to say it, then try this small trick instead.
Just say “not yet”.
It’s a powerful phrase.
It’s almost the same as saying ‘No’, but rather than being a definitive “I’m not doing that”, you’re simply offering the opportunity to defer until you have the time.
Of course, if the task is deemed important to be done as soon as possible, then this puts you in the position of negotiating with the task owner.
Ask what they would like you to put down, in favour of this new task.
Now they have to make a decision.
They get to decide on the priorities and you can continue without feeling like you’ve let anyone down.
The upshot?
Never be afraid to say “not yet”.
It’s better than saying “Yes” and then struggling with the deadline.
Originally published on Medium