Hey Friend,
Most people are averse to disappointing others, instead we're conditioned to prioritise pleasing them. Saying 'yes' has been ingrained in us as a way to connect, grow, and advance in our careers and other aspects of life.
Early in my career and when starting my own business, saying 'yes' played a crucial role in achieving success. I firmly believe that initially saying 'yes' makes you approachable and appealing to others, drawing them towards you.
However, at some point, we must learn to say 'no.' Admittedly, this can be uncomfortable and might trigger feelings of guilt or over-responsibility, but it is a necessary step. These fleeting emotions are far preferable to the consequences of avoiding 'no.'
Here are the top three reasons why I believe being able to say 'no' is essential: Avoiding Burnout: An unsustainable habit of saying 'yes' to everything can lead to exhaustion and, at its worst, result in severe long-term health problems. Setting an Example: When your team observes you accepting every request, they might assume this is the path to success. They may not know how to say 'no' effectively, leading to burnout, dissatisfaction, or disengagement. Managing Workload: Continuously accepting tasks sends the message that you can handle any workload. However, expecting others to recognise your limits without continually verbalising them is unrealistic. Everyone is juggling numerous responsibilities, so it's crucial to be honest, direct and repetitive (it's ok to sound like a broken record in this instance!).
There are different ways to say 'no,' and it needn't hinder your career prospects.
If you're unsure how to approach this skillfully, I'm open to having a conversation to explore what might work best for you.
Feel free to find a time here.
Shelley 😁 | 
