You know by now that saying ‘no’ isn’t mean or rude or even inconsiderate, it’s prudent, at the very least, and potentially essential. Still, if you’re like most people, actually saying ‘no’ is epically scary and utterly confounding.

Stop hyperventilating about how to go about it and start embracing your ability to decline offers/questions/invitations/requests of all kinds like the no-ninja that you can and will be. Here’s a list of 20 alternatives to saying flat out ‘no’ to get your Nope-engines running:

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1. I’d prefer not to.

2. I’m unavailable.

3. No thank you.

4. I’m currently choosing to prioritize other things.

5. I had/have a different vision.

6. Unfortunately, I can’t say yes, because I fear if I took on another commitment, my ability to show up for all of my responsibilities might suffer.

7. I’m all set with that (a Traurig favorite!)

8. I’m going to pass.

9. This time I need to decline.

10. I don’t think I’m the right person for ______________________ right now.

11. That’s so ___________________ of you! I’m all set/unavailable/ satisfied with my current ________/not in need of anymore___________. Thank you anyway!

12. I’ve made a promise to myself not to take on any more _______________________ until I ________________________________.

13. I’m unable to say yes, but have you considered ___________________________?

14. I used to make time for things like this, but I now need to focus my attention on my true priority which is ____________________________.

15. I’m respectfully/politely/bravely/lovingly saying no to _____________________________. Here is what I am able to offer: __________________________.

16. I know it’s not what you intended, but saying yes to you would distract me from what I really need to attend to currently.

17. Please don’t feel the need to _________________ on my account.

18. I’m intrigued/curious/open, but/and I need more information before I’m able to say yes.

19. As much as I want to say yes, I’m working on saying no to more things in order to __________________.

20. I want to say yes, but I need to say no.

Pick one and practice using it. Make it your catchphrase. Make it so that saying it feels as effortless as saying yes would. Remember: saying no to many things is required in order to enable those pursuits you’re saying yes to.

And P.S. You don’t need to explain yourself.