100 Different Ways to Say No

I’m always looking for different ways to say no. Saying no can be hard, but when you’re doing it to say yes to something that means more to you, it’s always worth it. Plus saying no is a muscle you can strengthen with practice so it’s easier and easier over time. Here are 100 different ways to say no so you can build that muscle and live your best life!

My name is no, my sign is no, my number is no” — Meghan Trainor

I challenge you to skim through this list of different ways to say no and find a few that really resonate with you. A few that you can actually imagine yourself saying out loud to another human. A few that you can 100% own. Take those few and write them down somewhere so you can see them daily. Your bathroom mirror, your wallet, the front page of your journal or planner. Incorporate them into your life. Practice them! The more accessible these words are when you need them, the more likely you are to practice and strengthen your no muscle.

Plus with 100 different ways to say no, there’s bound to be one that works for you, right?!

Different ways to say no work best when you lead or sandwich your no with good vibes

Because saying “no” is likely not going to feel natural, I like to lead with good vibes or sandwich my no with good vibes so that I can decline with confidence and stay true to my core nature. Some of these different ways to say no examples include a lead or a sandwich and others don’t. Feel free to mix n’ match these options or take part of one and tack it onto another. This list is just meant to get your brain on the no track. Ultimately, you have to make these 100 ways to say no work for you!

1. No, I’m not interested.
2. It’s sounds like a great cause, but we are giving to something else this year.
3. No, thank you.
4. No, I can’t tonight.
5. Unfortunately, it’s a not a good time.
6. Thanks for asking, but I’m not available that day.
7. That sounds like fun! But I’m already committed to something so I won’t be able to join.
8. That does sound like something the kiddos would enjoy! But we’re already committed to something that day.
9. No thank you, but that sounds fun, have a good time!
10. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.
11. I’m not interested, but I can give some thought to who might be interested if that would be helpful.
12. No thanks, I have another commitment.
13. I wish I could make it work.
14. Thanks, but I can’t.
15. That’s not really for me, but thank you.
16. Sounds tempting, but I have to pass.
17. I’d like to, but I know I’ll regret it if I don’t get to bed on time.
18. I appreciate you asking me, but I can’t commit to that right now.
19. You know, I’ve been there once and it really wasn’t for me.
20. I won’t be able to join this year.
21. I have other plans, but thank you!
22. I won’t be able to help.
23. I’m all set.
24. I’m not interested.
25. I’m not taking anything else on right now.
26. I’m not really into it, but thanks for asking!
27. Sadly, I have something else planned.
28. Darn! I’m not able to fit that in this week.
29. I’m not able to make it this month.
30. My plans are already set that weekend.
31. Sadly, I have something else.
32. That doesn’t work for me.
33. Sounds great, but I can’t commit.
34. I’m not able to make that time.
35. I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
36. It’s not possible with my schedule right now.
37. I’m trying to honor my family time right now, I can’t commit.
38. I have other priorities that are more important right now.
39. I’m really working on say no so I can say yes to my family. I’m going to have to say no this time.
40. I don’t have time to prioritize that.
41. I have to bow out of this one.
42. I can’t make it.
43. That’s so sweet of you, but I can’t make it work tonight.
44. Not this time.
45. Thanks for thinking of me, I really wish I could.
46. I’m not available.
47. That’s not going to work for me.
48. No thanks.
49. No.
50. I’ll pass.
51. That’s not my thing.
52. We have plans that weekend.
53. My schedule is already full.
54. Sounds fun, but I’m not available.
55. Thanks, but I’m not taking anything else on right now.
56. No thanks, I can’t.
57. I can’t prioritize that right now.
58. I’m not comfortable with that.
59. No, I need to focus on other priorities.
60. I don’t have the time to dedicate to that right now.
61. I can’t commit the time I need for that right now.
62. I’d rather not, thanks for asking.
63. I can’t make it.
64. I wish I could make it work.
65. I’d love to, but I can’t this year.
66. No, I have plans tonight.
67. I’d like to help, but I can’t make that time work.
68. That time doesn’t work for me.
69. That isn’t doable for me right now.
70. I know this is important to you, but I can’t.
71. Not today.
72. I’m afraid that won’t work.
73. I’m already committed to something. Best of luck!
74. I’m not planning on it.
75. It’s not on my list.
76. No, thank you so much for reaching out to me though.
77. Now is not a good time.
78. No, but thanks for the invite.
79. It means a lot that you thought of me, but I already have plans that night.
80. I can’t.
81. If only I could, that won’t work for me tonight.
82. I need to say no.
83. I’m not interested, but I can give some thought to who might be interested if that would be helpful.
84. I can’t do that, but I’d be happy to…
85. I can’t volunteer for that particular field trip, but I’d be happy to make a snack for the kids to eat on the bus.
86. I’d like to help, but I’m not available that week is there another option?
87. I can’t tonight, but I’d love to another time.
88. Not now, but another time might work.
89. Not tonight, but I’d be up for it in the next few weeks.
90. Maybe another time.
91. I need to take a rain check.
92. I can’t, if something changes I’ll let you know.
93. I have to bow out this year, but I’ll look into next year!
94. Thank you for asking! I’d be interested in hearing more, but I can’t this month.
95. I can’t commit to this last minute, can we plan something in a few weeks?
96. I can’t this month, will you reach out to me in the spring to ask again?
97. Not right now, but I can do it later.
98. I’ll let you know when I’m able to do that.
99. I can’t this week, but if you reach out to a me a few weeks ahead of time I can get a sitter and make it work!
100. I can’t this time, but I’d be happy to join in the future.

WARNING: 83 – 100 of the 100 ways to say no should only be said if you truly would be open to it another time or another way of helping, otherwise you’re just delaying the saying no.

Chances are if you’re strengthening your “no” muscle, you are working on yourself. YOU GO! I think you’d really like the Good Day notepad. It’s the perfect light morning routine companion to set yourself up for a Good Day. 

Out of the choices for different ways to say no, my go-to ways to say no are:

#9 “No thank you, but that sounds fun, have a good time!”

#10 “Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t tonight.”

#18 “I really appreciate you asking me, but I can’t commit to that right now.”

#83 “I’m not interested, but I can give some thought to who might be interested if that would be helpful.”

Out of these 100 ways to say no do you have a favorite? Is your go-to not on this list? I can’t wait to hear how you honor your most important yes’s — happy no-ing!

 

Looking for more ways to practice self-care? Check out the Good Day notepad!