Say NO

Time management is a challenge for many people.

Once you have a full plate, step away from the buffet!

Don’t take on more and more until you overload. That leads to poor-quality work, missed deadlines, and burnout.

Some people take on extra because they want to help. Some people have FOMO. Some people want to prove that they can handle anything. And while the occasional extra task can be absorbed, it’s pretty easy to get “mission creep” over time that eventually draws you away from the stuff that really matters.

All of the suggestions in the graphic are good ones. I also like, “I’m fully booked right now, but I could add it to my schedule in May.” and “I’m fully booked right now, but you might want to ask Bob to see if he’s available.” Only use these authentically, though—don’t say them unless you can and will add this to your May workload or if Bob would be a good person for the job.

Say no. Protect your time, efforts, and energy, so that you can use them for the top-priority items.

(image source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathancrockett/)