Just this morning my husband Nick was talking to me about a certain issue wherein someone was trying to get him to do more than he has time for or even wants to commit to. My response? JUST SAY NO. And if that doesn’t work, repeat it “No, means NO.”

His response was classic, especially coming from a pure bred Italian – “I’m going to write a book entitled ‘How I learned to be a tough guy, from my wife – Susan Avello.'”

You see, Nick can sometimes be a pushover (can’t we all?). He will do and do for others and sometimes folks take advantage of that generosity. It’s just a fact!

Somehow, he doesn’t have a problem telling me “No” but that’s another story.

We must set limits. We can’t be all things for all people. And the thing is: Who cares if they get mad at you? If they do, that’s not your problem.

We only have so much time in the day. Some of us are constantly over-committing ourselves to where we never have time to regroup, relax or get our shit together. Then our families and those closest to us get our leftovers. That’s not healthy and we’re going to burn out FAST!

I used to be so worried about what other people would think of me if I told them no. If I said, “I just can’t do it.” Now, I’ve learned to say things like, “No, I have too much on my plate. I can’t take on anything else.” “No, let me see if someone else can do that for you” (delegate).

You have the right to say NO! For your sake, do it! Do it now!