This anti-drug slogan from the 80s had the right idea...except for one word.

Published almost 2 years ago • 2 min read

Reader

There was a campaign in the 80s called “Just Say No”. Sound familiar? It was everywhere, and the simplicity of the phrase (like Nike's "Just Do It') makes it memorable. But I take issue with both of those due to one word: "just". When you put the word “just” in front of an action it oversimplifies it and makes you feel like there is something wrong with you if you don’t do the thing. Not so! Please join me in removing that limiting word, embracing self-compassion, and finding the best way for you.

As a recovering people pleaser and a productivity coach who’s worked with hundreds of clients, I've seen firsthand the toll of saying yes without self-regard. The constant pressure to say yes to every request, no matter the impact on your own well-being, can lead to burnout, lost focus, and missed opportunities to pursue your true passions.

While we can all agree that we do not want to say yes all the time, what we don’t talk about is how to go about it and when we need to create better boundaries to protect ourselves.

In episode 117 of the podcast, I address how to go about saying NO in a way that feels gentler, because the advice “no is a complete sentence” doesn't honor the feelings of obligers and helpers. In the episode, I outline ways to do it that don’t leave you feeling guilty or rude.

That's the "how" part. Now what let's talk about the "when"...

One of the most important takeaways for making a choice is this: every YES is a NO and every NO is a YES. When you think of it that way, it encourages you to identify both sides each time you decide what you’re going to do (or not do).

Episode 235 celebrates the idea that choosing the right time and situation for saying no will lead to a much less stressful life. In this episode, I review the hidden costs of the continual yes without regard to your needs and I share 5 criteria to evaluate new commitments and obligations

Your most valuable currency is your time and energy, which is more evident during a busy season like the holidays. Now is the time to get intentional about how you invest those precious resources.

I encourage you to listen to the full episode so you can start implementing these strategies to set boundaries and reduce stress.

And if you feel overwhelmed already with prioritizing, a quick coaching session may be just the thing you need to regroup and reset for the season. (See the details below that include a special VIP discount.)

Here's to saying yes to less stress and more joy,

♥

Lisa

Productivity Coaching is one of the quickest ways to overcome overwhelm by prioritizing and clearly defining what you need to do so you can confidently do it! The Quickstart session, like the name suggests, is fast and effective. One hour with me and you'll not only feel better going into the holidays, you'll have a fresh perspective for the new year ahead!

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