How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty: And Say Yes to More Time, and What Matters Most to You

"To this book I say yes, yes, yes!"
—from the Foreword by Richard Carlson, author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Find more time and energy for the things you love to do—learn to say no without feeling guilty!

The simple word "no" is often the most difficult to say. Yet anyone can develop the skills to say no with confidence, kindness, and peace of mind. And the benefits are enormous. You'll spend less time doing things you don't want to do with people you don't want to see, and move closer to your own priorities and passions.

How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty shows you the five simple techniques that will help you say no with finesse in nearly any situation and how to apply two basic principles to minimize guilt about saying no and reduce the likelihood of personal conflicts.

In addition, authors Patti Breitman and Connie Hatch provide specific language and practical strategies for defending your boundaries against life's many intrusions and distractions, including:

• Demanding friends and family members
• Unwelcome invitations, dates, and romantic entanglements
• Requests for money, whether from friends, relatives, organizations, or panhandlers
• Unreasonable assignments at work
• Pushy people who ask for too many favors
• Junk mail, annoying phone calls, and buddies with something to sell
• High-maintenance people
• And much more

Ultimately, "no" can be one of the most positive words in your vocabulary. Whether you crave more family time, more time for yourself, or more time to pursue a dream, saying no frees up room for the "yeses" in your life.

PATTI BREITMAN is a literary agent and expert public speaker who has appeared on numerous radio and television shows. She also teaches classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, where she lives.

CONNIE HATCH is a professional writer and president of Words to Market, a creative services company. She lives in New York City.