How to elegantly decline an offer...
Els De Schaepmeester
‘Let’s begin with an example:
“One of your friends is expanding their business. It all looks very promising. Your friend trusts you and wants you on board. They offer you a role on the team. You feel honored and are tempted to accept the job, which would open up a lot of opportunities for you. At the same time, you are drawn to working on your own projects rather than stepping into someone else’s dream. You feel the dilemma and you don’t know which way to go…”
In this story it will be difficult to kindly turn down your friend’s offer without hurting their feelings. And unless you become honest with yourself, you will - in all likelihood - remain lingering in a state of indecisiveness. Getting clear on what you DO want – rather than keeping yourself stuck in what you DON’T want – is key to moving out of the ‘no control zone’ and into a sensation of feeling at peace with yourself and your choices.
This approach will make it much easier to respectfully decline, which can even turn into a learning and bonding experience for both you and your friend.
You can take it a step further and become an avid supporter of your friend’s business, who in turn will be much more open and willing to cheer you on in any of the projects you wish to pursue.
Learning how to be emotionally honest with yourself and – hence – with others is part of ‘becoming an adult’. Not the easy route, I know J, but forever rich and full of ‘life’…
© Els De Schaepmeester
For more info on how to work with me: www.thehouseofhealing.info