Better than NO

The power to say no to distractions and things that don't move you toward your goal. You figure out what's most important to you. Because so many people will just sway to other people's emergencies and other people's demands. So first, I'm gonna give you permission to say no, but there's a secret in how to do that.

Oh, tell me the secret. So first, when you first respond, don't respond with no.
This works in the family too. It works with friends. It's not only during the business. So if you start off with yes, I would love to, or let's see, I would like to help you, but I'm working on this, this, and this, I can, or I would love to go and do that. And I'm sorry I already have another commitment. If you start off with a no, the person you're speaking to automatically gets defensive
shuts down, and is automatically upset.

So if you start off with an I'd love to help you, and I'm really sorry I have another commitment. I can't do it today, but I could do it next week.
Or if you do this for me, then I have time to do that for you. Now you can delegate, you can counter-propose, and now you can have a conversation.