Guilt is a feeling, not an argument. It doesn’t get a vote by default.

Feeling bad about a decision is not proof that the decision was wrong. Guilt turns up around anything unfamiliar, including choices that were completely reasonable, which makes it a poor guide on its own. Treat it as a signal worth checking rather than a verdict to obey. Ask what it is responding to before letting it change your mind.

The next time guilt arrives after a no, write one line about whether you actually broke a promise or let somebody down. If you did not, let the feeling pass unacted on.