Opportunity Cost: Every "Yes" to a minor request is a "No" to your primary mission. You must protect your time to protect your value.

Most people say "Yes" because they fear being rude. We solve this by using the "Positive Refusal" framework:

1. Acknowledge the value of the request.
2. State your constraint (not your preference).
3. Offer a lower-commitment alternative (or nothing).

Save These 2 Scripts:

• The "Not Now" Script: "This sounds like a great project. However, my schedule is at capacity for Q3, and I cannot give this the attention it deserves right now."
• The "Not Me" Script: "I’m honored you asked me. I’m currently fully focused on [Project X], so I can't take this on. I recommend asking [Name] or checking [Resource]."

Use one of these scripts today on an email you've been avoiding.