Being inundated and exhausted became like a badge of honor at work, a way to compare to others to convince ourselves that we’re doing all we can with the time we have. But the more we take on the less we accomplish at work (and in life). It’s a choice.
What’s really involved here?
Get clear on the real scope of what you’re about to take on
- Hofstadter’s Law says things always take longer than you expect
- Don’t convince yourself that one more thing won’t hurt
- It adds up and quietly becomes overwhelming
Is this on my ‘to-do-not’ list?”
Remember the why – emotions, pain, and price associated with taking on the kind of thing you said you wouldn’t.
- Be cognizant of what work simply must not end up on your plate and why
Can I give a different ‘yes’?”
Show support in some other way that doesn’t require you to actually take on substantially more work
- Have empathy for the request and present an alternative solution or an alternative doer
- Empathize with the person asking for the favor
What’s the cost of saying ‘yes’
Be informed. What has to give to say “yes”
Will taking this on serve my mission?”
What higher order work are you doing? What’s your purpose and mission?
- Do not let the urgency of the work get in the way of your mission.
- If it doesn’t matter enough to you, you know what to do.
