We do this to ourselves on purpose.
Losing focus because things get overwhelming has turned into the new “cool”. We began to feel exhausted and overwhelmed from our work environment. We now compared ourselves to others to justify feeling overburdened.
This state is so often something that happens to us. More priorities at work, do more with less, must keep up with our co-workers and community members. However, taking on more means accomplishing less in the workplace (and in life).
Doing everything is very simple. People hate saying “no.” but to have any kind of balance in your life, you must learn to discriminate. I have coached countless individuals on how to get ahead, perform at their peak, and, yes, be happy.
Being hard on your work is hard work, but before you take on something new, use these five questions to assess whether you should. so first, self-inquiry
Overcommit: “What does this really entail?”
Often, we will make fun of the size of something we agree to. “Aw, it’ll be fine” we say. However, it’s worse. It is imperative to know exactly what you are about to undertake. How much work will it be? How long will that really take? Remember Hofstadter’s Law: People always take longer than you expect.
I occasionally break the rules. When viewed separately, it is not going to hurt anything. All of the “little things” add up and eventually become too much. You’re screwed. Do not trigger this trap; find out what lies behind it first.
“What does saying ‘yes’ cost?”
Everything you say “yes” to will come at a cost. It may be meaningless, or not. Educate yourself. Do I have to compromise something? What will you have to learn, acquire, or procure? How much attention and energy is diverted, and is that something else more important?
Answering the question itself might reveal that the cost is too high. Your answer is “no”; it’s not “no problem.”
Will this endeavour further my mission?
Higher-order work? Why are you here? The vast majority of your work portfolio should all support or complement your mission.
This filter helps me to deal with the important but not urgent things. An easy way to say “yes” to urgent work is because of the rush to get it done. But it also encourages you to come back to that goal. If it doesn’t matter, you know what to do.
Is this something I should avoid?
You’ve repeatedly said you wouldn’t be lured into doing work that doesn’t mesh with your mission, but now you’re being enticed into doing it. This isn’t done in agreement. We forget to mention how unpleasant the work is and say yes to it.
Realize what you mustn’t put on your plate and why. Be sure to remember why you took on the task; remember the emotions, pain, and price associated with it.
What is your different ‘yes’?
It is often simpler to just say “yes” rather than “no.” It’s our nature. Assess that propensity by asking yourself if there’s a different “yes” you can offer to maintain the affirmative spirit.
Consider the request, and then propose an alternative solution or doer (and why it should be the person you’re proposing, not you yourself). The main goal is to show support in a way that doesn’t require you to actually do more work.
So the next time someone asks for more, challenge yourself.
