It is okay to say ‘NO” to things you really do not want to do. Saying 'yes' to tasks or activities simply because we are asked is an easy trap to get into.
It is natural to want others to be happy and for people to like you, causing you to quickly agree to what is requested. Unfortunately, when this has nothing to do with your own priorities or what you want, it is just another obligation and makes you feel frustrated.
One way to avoid this is to take some time to think about the request before answering and committing to it.
The key is to follow through with what is important to you. The next time you are asked to do something, for example, chair a committee or volunteer for an event you can respond with "I really appreciate you thinking of me and I will get back to you. Would it work if I let you know tomorrow?"
To make your decision, ask yourself, "Is this really in line with what is important to me?" This allows you to take more control of your time and your choices, which in turn makes you feel more empowered to make the decisions that really in line with what you want and your own priorities.
