The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes: How to Reclaim Your Time at Work

Yes!

Overcommitment is terrible, to say the least.

It comes to be by rushed “yeses,” guilt over downtime, and constant after-hours work.

Before long, you’re spread so thin that your energy evaporates, leaving you overwhelmed and unfocused.

The good news?

Small, intentional actions can break the cycle and help you work smarter, not harder.

You can start by looking over your workload.

You can set aside time weekly to review your commitments.

Are they realistic, or are you overbooking yourself?

You can build flexibility into your schedule for last-minute demands or tasks that require deep focus.

Next, tune in to your emotions.

Are you energized or exhausted by your work?

I’d like you to reflect on what truly aligns with your strengths and passions.

The tasks draining you may point to where you need boundaries or support.

Communication is your ally.

Regularly update the person responsible for leading you in your progress and priorities.

It’s easier to adjust workloads before deadlines loom.

When you have new requests, you can buy yourself time.

“Let me check my schedule” empowers you to evaluate without pressure.

Finally, embrace micro-mastery.

Focus your energy on excelling at a few impactful tasks.

You’ll find more meaning and momentum by channeling effort into areas that align with your growth.

Saying yes to everything means saying no to yourself.  – Mike Brewer

 

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