It's great to finally see the sunshine after so much rain over the winter.

I've been getting out and about in the sunshine, getting back into a more regular exercise routine and enjoying the Spring sunshine.  It's always a good time of year to renew our spirits, take stock and have a clear out - in more ways than one.

What do you need to 'clear out'?  Which parts of your life could do with a Spring clean?  

This month might be a good time to take a look at the Life Balance Wheel.  A simple tool to help you lead a more balanced life.  Work on one area and you could make an impact on several others.

Until next time,

Clare

P.S. If you've been forwarded this newsletter by a friend, you can subscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the email.

Saying 'No' can be hard to do, particularly if you've always said 'Yes' before and people are used to you saying it.

• You feel that you 'should' or 'ought' to say 'Yes'.
• You don't want to let people down.
• You want to be helpful.
• You feel guilty if you don't say 'Yes'.

Be clear and direct.  It's your time and it's your choice how you spend it.  Don't be misled by other people's expectations - whether that's family, friends, even your boss or work colleagues.

Set boundaries so other people know where they stand.   Be realistic about what you are able to achieve.  You can't say yes to everything without crumbling under the weight of responsibility, time constraints or the shear volume of work.

When you are in a situation where you are about to say 'Yes', ask yourself two questions:

• What are you saying 'Yes' to?
• What are you saying 'No' to?

By saying 'Yes' to completing a piece of work by the end of the day, you are saying 'No' to finishing work on time.

By saying 'Yes' to taking on an additional project, you are saying 'No' to having time for yourself. You're saying 'No' to spending more time with your children/partner/friends.

What stops you from saying 'No'?  What do you get by saying 'Yes'?  There must be some pay-off for you to say 'Yes'.  What is it?  Recognition, respect, affirmation ... but at what cost?

Negotiate:

• "I can't do that report today but I could do it ..."
• "I don't have my diary with me/I need to check a few things first.  Can I get back to you later?"

It might feel uncomfortable saying 'No'.  How about saying, 'Let me think about it' instead?  This gives you time to decide if this is something you want to take on and have the time and resources to do so. 

Remember: What sounds like an 'five minute' job - often isn't!

No need for excuses.  Be open, honest and upfront.  People won't think any less of you for saying 'No'.  You won't have to let people down if you say 'Yes' too quickly and then have to say 'No' at a later date.

Try it this month.  Don't say 'Yes' until you've had a chance to think about what you're agreeing to and what it really means.

Get in touch if you'd like to create a better working environment in which you and your team are more productive, effective and less stressed.

A brief 30 minute chat could make all the difference.

"Image courtesy of digitalart] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net".