A Quick Pause

You may have noticed a theme coming through from me in the last couple of weeks. It’s really in response to conversations I’m having in the coaching room that people are seriously feeling the pressure already running into Christmas.   
Pressure to get things done but there isn’t enough time.  
 
Pressure to perform as the market tightens.  
 
Pressure on resources as recruitment remains a challenge and people are stretched.  
 
And what I’m observing happens when this pressure is on is, people get down in the weeds trying to fix and control everything. When we do this, we start to lose sight of our bigger goals and priorities and we often lose momentum and get off track.  
 
So I wanted to invite you to take a moment to pause and reflect on some of the questions below so that you can get yourself out of the weeds and back up onto the balcony view of your life. So, you can start saying YES to the opportunities that will allow you to finish this year strong.   
 
It can be tempting to put your head down and just push through until you get some time off. But I want to play coach Clare again as I do with my coaching clients and challenge you to be strategic, to really think about what you are doing, the example you are setting for your team and reinstate some boundaries so that you aren’t on the brink of burnout when December comes.   

3 Questions To Ask Yourself To Practice Saying No and get focused on the right things:   

1. Does this align with my goals right now?   
   This question requires you be really clear and focused on what is a priority right now and what isn’t. Remember everything that you say yes to that eats into your time or mental capacity is saying no to something else. You want to be embracing the things that lead you towards your goals and saying no to things that pull your energy or attention away from them. 
2. Is it possible to come back to this at a better time?  
   Understanding how your priorities and goals change overtime is an important skill to develop. Knowing when you have space in your schedule to explore new avenues and opportunities is important to. If you have to say no to something this week but you have time in 2 weeks’ time, then see if things can be rescheduled so that it’s a win-win for everyone.  
   
3. What am I worried is going to happen if I say no?   
   Many of us have been societally conditioned to say yes, to people-please. However, noticing what the underlying thoughts are when we hesitate on saying no helps us pinpoint what we really need to work on. Are you worried you won’t be seen as capable if you say no? Are you worried that someone won’t like you if you say no? Are you worried you will lose the opportunity if you say no? Once you have the answer, it allows you the opportunity to do the deep work and start clearing the blockages that are keeping you stuck, overwhelmed and worried about the future.