LET'S GET REAL: HER STORY
WALKER'S LEGACY
THE
POWER
OF "NO"
By Vonna Matthews
I was a recent college grad who had just landed my first real job.
Working on a major project, I was overwhelmed and eager to prove
myself. My boss walked into the office I shared with a colleague and
requested my immediate presence in the conference room for an
impromptu meeting. Her timing could not have been worse. Before I
could think of what to say, I heard myself utter, “No, now is not a
good time.” Shocked by my boldness, my boss responded with a
simple, “Come into the conference room when you can.” That was
the first time I experienced the power of “no.” One word said it all – I
have reached my limit and adding anything else may send me over
the top.
Women are known for seeking perfection that pushes them beyond
the limit. Too often, we strive to be everything to everyone without
considering our own needs. It is important to set personal
boundaries to prevent exhaustion. Here are 4 ways that will help
you set personal boundaries to take better care of yourself.
1. Identify triggers of exhaustion. Everyone exhibits stress in
different ways. My anxiety goes up when my stress level has
reached its peak. If I don’t rest, an inevitable panic attack is near.
Identify the physical, emotional and mental triggers that increase
your stress levels and are indicators of burnout. When you have
reached that point, start to simplify your life. The first step to
simplification is knowing what you are able to handle.
2. Set and communicate professional and personal expectations.
Before you start on that new project or take on that new role, make
sure all of those involved know what to expect of you. Open
dialogue so they will know what you will and will not do. Are you
willing to stay late once a week, but the weekends are off limits?
Will you work on 2 new projects a month, but anything that
requires more than 50% overtime is not an option? Answer these
questions for yourself and then
CEOMOM
NOMADIC
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