Let’s talk about something that can feel uncomfortable but is absolutely essential for your success: saying no. If you’re anything like me, your calendar is a never-ending list of requests, meetings, and tasks that just seem to multiply. And when you’re traveling for work—whether it’s a conference, a big project, or a meeting—your time becomes even more precious. But here’s the thing: every time you say “yes” to something that isn’t aligned with your current priorities, you lose focus. And as busy working moms, we can’t afford that.
So today, I want to share with you a few ways to say no that will make it easier for you to stay focused and deliver with the greatest impact, while also protecting your precious time and energy. Trust me, saying no doesn’t have to be harsh or guilt-inducing. It can be graceful, kind, and effective.
When you say NO to something you are freeing yourself up to focus on where you can have the most impact, where you can really shine.
1. “As it turns out, I can’t.”
This is my go-to way of saying no, and it’s my absolute favorite. When you say, “As it turns out, I can’t,” it’s like you’ve already thought about it and carefully considered whether or not it works. It’s a subtle but powerful way to acknowledge that you understand the request, but ultimately, it just won’t fit into your schedule or priorities.
Example: “As it turns out, I can’t hop on that call right now. I’m traveling for work and need to stay focused.”
This approach makes people feel heard, without making you feel guilty. It’s direct, but not harsh. You’re still being respectful of their needs, but you’re also standing your ground.
2. “I can’t, but have you tried…?”
This one is perfect when you want to help someone out, but just don’t have the time or bandwidth to take on their request. You can redirect them to someone or something else that might solve their problem. It’s a win-win! You help without overcommitting.
Examples:
- “I can’t, but have you tried checking in with Sarah on the marketing team? She might be able to get this handled for you.”
- “I can’t, but have you tried looking up that tutorial on YouTube?”
- “I can’t, but have you tried using ChatGPT—it’s amazing for quick answers!”
This way, you’re still providing value without draining your own resources. You’re empowering the other person to find a solution on their own. And let’s be real, sometimes that’s exactly what they need!
3. “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.”
Okay, so this one’s for the folks who are still learning how to say no and need a little extra space to process a request. By saying, “Let me check my calendar,” you’re buying yourself time. You don’t need to make an immediate decision, and the other person will appreciate that you’re taking the time to assess whether or not it’s a good fit for you. Plus, it’s an easier way to soften the impact of a no without outright rejecting someone.
Examples:
- “Let me check my calendar and I’ll get back to you on that.”
- “I need to see if that works—let me check my calendar and I’ll text you.”
This approach gives you room to breathe and respond thoughtfully, and hey, maybe you’ll realize you do have time or that you can say yes—but at least you have the space to make that decision!
How Saying No Helps You Deliver with Impact
Here’s the thing: every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. By saying no to unnecessary meetings or distractions, you’re creating more space for the things that really matter. You’re freeing up time to focus on your work, your family, or yourself—and that’s where you can have the most impact.
When you say no with confidence, you take back control of your time and your energy. You can show up more fully, whether that’s at work or at home, and really shine in the areas where you can make a difference.
The Bottom Line: No is a Full Sentence
Listen, mama—no is a complete sentence. Period. You don’t need to justify, explain, or apologize. But if you’re just getting comfortable with the idea of saying no, these little tweaks can help you stay confident in your decision and maintain your focus.
When you say no, you’re creating space for what truly matters: focusing on the tasks and people that will allow you to shine, whether that’s in your work, your personal life, or both.
So, the next time someone asks you for something that doesn’t align with your goals or your current schedule, remember you have the tools to say no with confidence. You’ve got this, mama! You’re choosing what’s best for you and your priorities. Keep shining bright! 🌟
Are you ready to finally feel in control of your day? Join The Savvy Working Mom Newsletter for strategies that will make work-life balance achievable.
Want to stop feeling overwhelmed? Start with my 4 Easy Steps to Get Unstuck guide, available for free in my resource library.
Make family life easier and more efficient with my Family Delegation Success Planner. Download it for free and start delegating today!
