When faced with a decision, take the time to think things through.
The following questions may help clarify your decision:
1. Do you have enough of a special interest in the group to donate your time, money or talents?
You may be happy to help your child's school with a fundraising event, but you may not be as interested in another cause not as directly tied to your daily life. It's okay to pick and choose where you put your efforts, time and money.
2. Do you have the time available to do the job by the due date without feeling pressured?
If adding a new obligation will require you to completely reschedule your life, say no.
3. What are your motives?
Do you need to return a favor? Impress someone? Saying yes to gain brownie points may cost too much. Is there another way you could contribute?
4. What is your gut feeling about this request?
If your initial reaction is "Oh, no!" then do not say "yes."
5. Is there something new you can learn from doing this project?
If this is a rerun activity, pass and let someone else gain the experience. Don't you have a new interest you would like to pursue?
6. Try to predict the future. Will this task rob you of your energy? Make you feel resentful about lost time? Will this task energize you?
Next: saying yes!
Some family obligations always trap me and I commit when I really want to say no. I do it because I don't want to make anyone mad. Families can get so messy. Looking forward to your next blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Family relationships can be very complicated and it's impossible to keep everyone happy. Do what makes you happy at least part of every day.
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