Flipside Follow-up

Have you been able to read my thoughts on the importance of saying yes? If not find it here.

Now I’m here to talk about the flipside and the importance of knowing when to say no. You cannot properly prioritize your tasks and goals if you are incapable of saying no. Something has to happen first, not everything is weighted equally and you can’t sell everything to everybody. Plain and simple.

Speaking from a creative standpoint, protecting yourself from burnout is so important! One of the easiest ways to do that is to learn professionally when and how to say no (and not feel guilty about it!).

Often times you are given more and more responsibilities when you’re good at your job and progressing along your path. Once you become trusted, you’re entrusted with everything. While on the surface that seems like a great quality to have, in practice it can quickly lead to taking on more than your fair share. Not only does this lead to burnout for yourself while stifling others on your team who are no longer being given those tasks, it also clutters up your time and creates an inability to solve those big ticket problems only you are capable of.

Creative thinking and critical problem solving take ample time to complete (let alone well). Needing to remain agile and flexible is even more important. If your schedule is so inundated with daily tasks that several other people can manage, you’re not doing anyone any favors by saying yes to yet another ask. A perpetually flexing to-do list is perfectly fine, an ever-growing and never ending to-do list is not.

Remember to hold your space and value within an organization. The easiest way to do this, along with knowing when to say your plate is full and kindly declining projects others are more than capable of, is to spend a little time building up those around you. Don’t be afraid to compliment and talk up your peers! The greatest strength comes from a team of capable people, not one person can carry everything alone.

Bottom line - know your worth, protect your space and build up those around you. You can do it!