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Justin Stewart’s Struggle
In the bustling city of New York, Justin Stewart embarked on a journey that pushed him to the brink. Balancing multiple jobs just to make ends meet, he found himself engulfed in a whirlwind of responsibilities. From the crack of dawn until noon, he dedicated himself to his full-time role as a news show production assistant. But as the day unfolded, he would seamlessly transition into other gigs – whether it was renting cars at the airport or working retail shifts at big box stores. The relentless cycle left him with little time for rest; sometimes, sleep was a luxury only found in the confines of his car.
However, this frenetic pace took its toll when exhaustion and a staph infection landed him in the hospital. Despite being lauded for his work ethic and hustle by those around him, Stewart realized that there was a steep price to pay for neglecting his well-being. Reflecting on that crucial moment, he recalls the doctor’s words echoing in his ears like a wakeup call: “I don’t know what lifestyle you’re living, but you’re too young to be this stressed.”
The Turning Point
At 36 years old, Stewart made a pivotal decision to redefine his boundaries and reclaim control over his life. He bid farewell to the side jobs that once consumed his every waking moment, acknowledging that financial gain shouldn’t come at the expense of his health. When colleagues from the news show attempted to encroach on his personal time with after-hours texts, he bravely asserted his off-duty status and redirected them elsewhere.
Learning to say no and establishing boundaries isn’t always easy – especially when it involves navigating interactions with superiors in the workplace. The innate desire to please others or feel indispensable can often cloud our judgment when it comes to safeguarding our physical and mental well-being.
The Art of Saying No
As experts emphasize, declining requests or setting limits is not merely an act of self-preservation; it’s an essential component of maintaining a healthy balance in life. Like any skill worth mastering, setting boundaries requires practice and perseverance.
One effective strategy shared by Bobby Dutton, founder of GBM6 event production company, is “aggressive calendaring.” By meticulously scheduling tasks and allocating time slots for both work obligations and personal routines like enjoying coffee or walking the dog, individuals can regain autonomy over their schedules.
For those unaccustomed to uttering no’s confidently, preparing responses beforehand can serve as a valuable tool. Stewart honed this technique by articulating phrases such as “Hey…this is a lot for me” when feeling overwhelmed with assignments – signaling that it’s okay to voice concerns about workload capacity.
Workplace engagement coach Cara Houser underscores that declining without delving into detailed explanations is perfectly acceptable. A simple acknowledgment of unavailability followed by gratitude for consideration establishes firm yet polite boundaries.
Navigating Work Dynamics
Entrepreneur Amber Krasinski’s upbringing instilled in her deep-rooted beliefs about saying no – where rejecting tasks could equate to financial repercussions. As she leads IvyHill Strategies, she has adopted “Not yet” as her mantra when faced with project demands exceeding her bandwidth.
Before hastily agreeing to additional responsibilities or commitments at work, psychotherapist Israa Nasir suggests taking moments for introspection – assessing current workload demands against energy reserves and priorities before committing further time or effort.
Amidst today’s digitally interconnected landscape where smartphones blur lines between professional hours and personal time zones,…
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