Music penetrates our mental barriers and influences deepest areas of our mind. The right music, combined with right success affirmations, can have a huge effect on our receptivity.

Just look at media...they spare no expense to come up with right music for a movie, tv show or a commercial. They know that if music and lyrics are compelling enough you'll be focused on their message.

Everyone's had this experience, someone starts humming a tune or singing something or you hear a song on radio and you just can't get it out of your head. Even mention of something strongly associated with theme music can get you singing it in your head.

Let's see if that's true. If I mention The Flintstones to you, what's first thing you think of? If you're anything like me...the first thought that came to me was Yabba-Dabba-Do!! Then, theme song started running a loop in my mind...especially this part of song...Have a yabba-dabba-doo time...A dabba-doo time...You'll have a gay old time!

What happens if you were Cathy’s supervisor?

Let’s continue. You're cooking dinner, starting to unstress, food preparation timing is coming together-- for once, and your mother calls: "Could we talk, it’s important, I need someone to talk to?" What do you say?

What we would like to say and what we end up doing is usually two different things. Good news, tactfully saying no is a learned skill. It requires know-how and practice. Let’s get into ten how-tos and alternatives to help you practice.

Tip 1: There are three parts to meshing a "no but not no" response. The first part acknowledges and empathizes. The second part is a situation statement. And third part is an action statement.

An example of an empathy statement: "Sam, I'm sure this problem is important."

Now let’s add a situation statement: "I'm working on a report that I promised to finish within next hour."

The third, an action statement, needs to describe what you will do or offer as an alternative: "Let’s get together this afternoon at 2 PM. I'll meet you in your office."

You have just said no, without saying no.

Tip 2: What if its your supervisor interrupting you? What do you do? Here’s how to mesh three parts.

Sandy, your supervisor enters, "Lisa, I hate to interrupt you, but we have a real problem in field, I need to talk with you right away. Could I see you in my office?"

First, acknowledgment statement: "Sandy, I'm sure this is an important problem." Second, situation segment: "I'm working on that report you requested by noon." Third, adding action: "Would you like me to defer report until 2 PM [its imperative to offer an exact time] so we can meet now? Or would you like me to complete this and then come to your office?" This response allows your supervisor to see your perspective, situation, and make a decision.

Tip 3: Discouraging professional interrupters. These professionals make a career out of interrupting. They start talking and don't stop. They go on and on and when they finally stop to catch a breath, and you get to say something, they interrupt a few minutes later. How do you handle these?

Movement is key. If cornered behind your desk, stand up, and move. If standing up, move away. If sitting down, stand up. You can change momentum by dropping something, or turning sideways. Reach for something that has nothing to do with conversation, or excuse you to restroom.

Interrupt in same manner use with you. Go ahead, they do it because it appears normal to them. Here are a few template statements: "Where is this leading?" "What’s your point, I've gotten lost in what I think is trivia?"

It’s important to practice patience. These professionals don't usually hear you first few times. Become a broken record if need be. Identify what it is about their communication style or interruption process that annoys you. Provide your feedback and your preferred method.