By Lisa 
Ugh. Ever been blindsided by a request and could not BELIEVE your ding danged mouth saying “I’ll do it”. Maybe it is a worthy project like giving to a charity, or a work project that could further your career (if done correctly), or a dinner out with some old friends. But you don’t waaaannnnttt toooo!!!!
Maybe you would like to participate next month (when your net worth is a little higher), or when you have the time to ensure success, or maybe, just maybe you just aren’t interested in hanging with those old jacked up running buddies.
It’s OK. But it isn’t OK right now because you said yes (ya’ dummie!!!).
How can you turn that “Yes” into a “Heck to the NOOO” gracefully–and quickly?
ONE: Contact the person you said yes to as soon as possible. You don’t want to have that person make plans or include you on a report as being a willing participant. Respect their time.
TWO: Simply say “I really didn’t think it through before I agreed to….I have to say no because:
I don’t have the money.
I don’t have the time needed to make the project a success.
I have other plans, but thanks for asking.”
That’s all. Don’t over explain. Don’t allow the other person to go on with “But, what if…”
Don’t feel guilty. Everyone has just 24 hours in a day, and you have to sleep sometimes.
And BTW it is your life.
Live how you want to, not to others expectations.