This Darned Shifter

[cornontherob]

I'm planning on replacing the torn up shifter knob and boot on my boxster, and I know that the shifter doesn't unscrew, but rather has to be pulled up. The problem I'm facing, is that despite my best efforts, that thing is on there. My question is, is there any way to get it to come off more easily, rather than just yanking on the knob until I inevitably hit myself in the face?