Keep it Simple

I’m not sure if “unassertiveness” is directly related to the fear of not being liked. In fact, when I find myself saying yes to too many things—events, department service, etc., it’s more related to the fact that we are expected and constantly reminded to stay involved in our “academic community.” Additionally, I’m not sure how I might go about rehearsing reasons why I can’t do something. The rehearsing idea seems a bit extreme. Why not just keep it simple and say, “I don’t have time.” We are all adults, not grammar school kids who, for instance, may have to come up with believable reasons for not participating in the school play.

I can’t help but feel troubled by the fact that I’m not seeing much of a difference between stopping and passively waiting. That being said, there is certainly something to be said for saying no to taking on too much and for slowing down one’s pace—both on a practical and pedagogical level.