If it happens that difficult or impossible tasks are laid on a sister, let her nevertheless receive the order of the one in authority with all meekness and obedience. But if she sees that the weight of the burden altogether exceeds the limit of her strength, let her submit the reasons for her inability to the one who is over her in a quiet way and at an opportune time, without pride, resistance, or contradiction. And if after these representations the Superior still persists in her decision and command, let the subject know that this is for her good, and let her obey out of love, trusting in the help of God.

I recently have explained to a client that a task they want me to undertake is not within my capacity. I have been attempting to explain this off and on, in "a quiet way and at an opportune time, without pride, resistance, or contradiction," for a few months.

The client acknowledges my explanations, but -- one way or another -- can usually persuade me to help them out in a small way. That small step leads to another step which leads to another.

Part of what is going on is a negotiation of what needs to be done. The client wants X, I am willing to do (X/5+b). But what may also be happening is a mutual discovery of what is possible.