When another request lands and you feel pulled to say yes, keep these replies close.
Pause Before Yes
Before you agree:
“Let me check what I can take on before I answer. I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”
When your answer is no:
“I can’t take that on this time.”
When you can offer less:
“I can help with the first hour. I can’t stay for the whole afternoon.”
When they ask again:
“I understand that you need help. My answer is still no for this time.”
Examples for ordinary requests. Choose a reply time you can keep. Consider responsibilities and commitments. A script cannot control someone else’s response.