Is it OK to say NO?

by natalie hart |

We hear a lot about setting boundaries, with family, with work and beyond. But what does that mean? More importantly why are they important to you?

Why do you need boundaries? Well, we’ve all heard the expression “You can’t drink from an empty cup” but what does that mean to you? One thing it means is avoiding burnout, or saying yes to things you can’t actually accomplish and making sure that you have time for the things you do value. Does that mean you don’t support the idea’s you said no to? Not at all, it just means being self aware about what you can fit into your own schedule. Stress doesn’t lend itself to good outcomes, no matter how many people say you can just lean in or work smarter it is important to make sure you are not putting more onto your plate than you can handle.

What are some benefits from this selective process? Being able to be truly passionate about the causes you do take on. Feeling the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting something done, and looking forward to participating in something. We all need to feel like we are making a difference and that feeling is enhanced when the project is one we personally value as well. Are there signs that you may have taken on more than you should? Yes of course!

• Procrastination you find yourself putting off tasks even if they are ones, you know how to do.

• Dreading meetings you find ways to avoid, cancel or put off meetings on a project

• Anxiety when you attend a meeting

• Missing deadlines What should you do if you find yourself in these scenarios? Have a frank and honest look at your capacity, schedule and the priority you place on the activity. Is there a way to rework the demand to make it fit? Is it optional or work related? Can you delegate some of this to others? And most importantly can you just say no? Sometimes a prompt NO is more important than a yes you cannot follow through on.