[helen842000]

Ah yes, I have had to tackle this head on in the past. I love helping people, to a fault. However it's detrimental to your progress, success & ability to continue sustainably helping people long term if you keep saying 'Yes' regardless.

Imagine 'future you' is asking you for a favour in freeing up some of your time and now that is your main focus.

As for how to say 'no' you don't actually have to! :) Instead, add a little friction into the deal to make it easier on you.

So next time someone asks you to 'build me a quick website for my sisters, uncles litter of kittens' just say 'Why sure! I'd love to help! I'll need 5 photos, a list of exactly what you want it to say, a sketch of the layout and the details of their domain/web host. Send it all to this e-mail address. I usually get to work on my free projects at the end of the month"

I usually get 'will you come and fix my computer' several times a month. I just say sure, drop it off at my house between these times on this day. 9 times out of 10, they don't even do that. The other time it's someone who genuinely appreciates it and needs assistance and when they drop it round, I've not had to spend on fuel or leave the comfort of home and it's an easy fix..

By all means, keep being helpful but make sure it's on your terms.