For most of my clients, asks of their most precious commodity -time- continue to grow, even as their mental and physical bandwidth contract under the ongoing pressure of a global pandemic, racial justice protests, wildfires, hurricanes, a divisive presidential election, and whatever else 2020 throws at us. (Are the murder hornets still a thing?)
There are new service lines to launch, employees to train, meetings to chair and hundreds of emails to review. And, then there are civic committees to join (or lead!), family members to call, health issues to manage, children to shepherd through virtual school, meals to cook, bills to pay and endless things to worry about...
For a host of reasons too numerous to cover here, many working professionals find it incredibly hard to say "NO" to "opportunities" that present themselves and can overcommit. If this sounds like you, it could be because your "NO" muscles are anorexic while you "Yes I Can!" muscles are basically reflexive.
When you say yes to too much, you can become overwhelmed, frustrated, and burned out.
And, it does not happen over night. The busy waters boil slowly...
Here is my challenge to you:
The next time you are presented with a "new opportunity" or any other request of your time, ask yourself this important question:
"When I say YES to this, what am I saying NO to?"
When you are asked to lead a new project, join a new committee, or come up with a "fun" way to host your department's holiday party remotely (a real request of a VP-level client), simply pause and ask that simple question: "When I say YES to this, what am I saying NO to?"
When you say YES, are you saying NO to shutting off your computer at 6pm? Are you saying NO to exercise, healthier eating, an unfinished hobby, time with your partner, children, friends, family or pets?
THE HARD TRUTH: Usually we are saying "NO" to self-care. It is the "easiest" thing to cut.
Sometimes we have to say yes - our jobs or health or family's wellbeing may depend on it. They key point here is to simply take time to ask the question.
Asking this simple question is a powerful first step. It brings the cost of each decision to your awareness, moving you out of a reflexive YES and into a thoughtful "Let me think about it."
If you find your NO muscles could use a bit of work, I encourage you to check out My Answer is No, If that is OK with You, a book written by a medical doctor who became alarmed when she say the health impacts of women who took on too much. (For a quicker summary, check out this podcast that outlines the key steps.)
Nicole Provonchee is an executive coach and strategist that works with women leaders and teams across the nation.
After 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, she started Bright Blue Consulting, where she can combine her skills as a coach with her practical experiences as a leader and executive.
Nicole is a sought-after speaker and can bring her negations skills workshop to your organization or company. Learn more on her speaking page. Or, reach out to her today.
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