🛑 Say This Instead: “Let Me Check My Current Priorities”
Hello Hello!
The hardest part of being a people-pleaser like me? Saying no. We want to help. We want to be liked. And saying no feels like we’re letting people down.
I’ve come a long way — I can say no now — but I’ll be honest, it still makes me uncomfortable sometimes.
But let me ask you this: what’s worse — being upfront and honest about your limits, or saying yes to something you can’t follow through on and damaging your credibility later? People-pleasing often just postpones the disappointment. I’ve learned it’s better to be real and not overcommit.
That doesn’t mean you can’t stretch yourself now and then. But if you keep saying yes to everything, you’ll eventually burn out — or break.
Today, we’ll look at how to handle those moments where you know deep down… it should probably be a no.
Enjoy,
— Aderson
🛑 Say This Instead: “Let Me Check My Current Priorities”
Ever get asked to “quickly help with something” and your stomach sinks because you already have too much on your plate? You want to be a team player, but you also know that saying “yes” too often is burning you out. So, how do you say “no” without sounding like you’re not a team player?
That’s where one simple line can change everything:
👉🏽 “Let me check my current priorities.”
It’s respectful. It’s professional. And it gives you space to think.
This article is for anyone who's ever wanted to push back on extra work, but didn’t know how.
🧱 Why This Line Works So Well
It signals that you’re responsible, not resistant.
You’re not saying “no” immediately — you’re saying you care enough to check if you can realistically take it on.
It also creates a buffer. You don’t have to decide in the moment, especially when your emotions or people-pleasing instincts are running the show.
🔑 Key Takeaways for Learning to Say No
🔄 Pause Before You Answer
🧠Run It Through a Priority Filter
🗓️ Offer Realistic Options (If Any)
🔄 Pause Before You Answer
You don’t owe anyone an immediate yes.
When someone drops a new task on you — especially one that feels out of scope or urgent — don’t default to “Sure, I’ll take care of it.”
Say this instead:
“Thanks for bringing this up. Let me check my current priorities and get back to you in a bit.”
This gives you breathing room. You buy yourself time to evaluate your workload and emotions before responding.
Over time, this line trains people to respect your time — and trains you to protect it.
🧠Run It Through a Priority Filter
Once you’ve paused, look at your actual commitments:
What are your current deliverables?
What deadlines are non-negotiable?
Who’s waiting on your work right now?
Now ask:
“If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?”
It’s not about avoiding hard work. It’s about being effective, not just busy. Sometimes you’ll realize the request is low-priority compared to what’s already on your plate. And that’s your signal to decline — gracefully.
Here’s a script:
“I looked at my current list and I’d have to push [X] back to take this on. Would you like me to do that, or should I stick to the current plan?”
That turns the decision back to the requester — without you being the bad guy.
🗓️ Offer Realistic Options (If Any)
If you’re open to helping but can’t do it now, offer when you could:
“I can take a look next Thursday once I’ve wrapped up [other task]. Would that work?”
You’re showing willingness while staying in control of your time. And if the answer is a firm no? You’ve still responded with professionalism, not avoidance.
Remember: your default should not be yes.
Saying no to the wrong work protects your ability to say yes to the right work.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a long speech. You just need a line that gives you space to think and puts you in charge of your own time.
“Let me check my current priorities.”
Try it. Practice it. Say it out loud a few times if you need to.
The more you use it, the easier it gets — and the more respect you’ll earn.
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” — Warren Buffett