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How can the gentle art of saying no lead to a less stressful life?

Helen
8 min readJun 28, 2024

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Productivity can be greatly hindered when individuals overcommit themselves to various tasks and obligations. By taking on too many responsibilities, one risks spreading themselves too thin, resulting in subpar work quality and missed deadlines. The ability to decline certain requests or commitments is crucial in maintaining a high level of productivity. This skill, often referred to as the art of saying no, can significantly impact one’s efficiency and effectiveness in completing tasks.

It is common for individuals to face constant demands on their time from various sources such as family, friends, colleagues, and even children. In order to protect one’s productivity, reduce stress levels, and prevent wasting valuable time, it is essential to master the art of politely declining certain requests. Saying no can be challenging for many people, as they may fear disappointing others or appearing selfish. However, setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and achieving optimal productivity.

To effectively say no without causing offense or guilt, it is important to communicate assertively yet respectfully. One strategy is to express gratitude for the opportunity while politely declining the request. Setting clear boundaries and explaining one’s current…

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Helen
Helen

Written by Helen

I’m a board member for the Harvard Creative Writing Collective and an outreach associate director for Harvard Women in Computer Science.

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