Comments on: Avoiding Overcommitment: Knowing When To Say No

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:23:18 +0000

This is something I struggle with CONSTANTLY. Folks like Lori have been a huge support in helping me set boundaries with clients AND with myself. My favorite Lori story is a client who recently came to her and asked for something absurd in a week’s time. “Once I stopped laughing,” Lori said in recounting the event, “I told her I didn’t think that was physically possible.” The moral of the story is that the client got the concept. I love it. :)

By: Lelia King

Lelia King — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:56:58 +0000

Very well said, Bridget. It makes no sense to overcommit yourself. It’s interesting that many times we only have ourselves to blame for overcommittment – not our jobs, etc.

By: Bridget Wright

Bridget Wright — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:02:39 +0000

YEEEEEESSSSSSSS Lori!

You are so right! I love the part about “their fires do not constitute my emergencies.” That is so true. It’s amazing how other people can (try) to make their problems become your problems.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:05:43 +0000

Excellent post, Bridget. I have to say that along with saying no is allowing yourself to assert boundaries. I have two clients who both have “need it yesterday” deadlines. Both have asked me to work through the holiday weekend. Both were told my weekend has already been booked. It has. And it’s no one’s business whether that booking is business or personal. Their fires do not constitute my emergencies. It’s self-preservation – if I allow others to dictate my time off, I’m no longer working for myself.