5 Things: Issue 14

Falling into holes, saying 'No' and blind spots

A Reflection

This past week has been rich with possibility, rewarding interactions with my coaching and consulting clients and the discovery of disappointing news. The richness of these experiences in my personal and professional lives has left me feeling overwhelmed.

I’ve noticed that mid-week, I started engaging in old habits that no longer serve me well to ‘cope’ with the feelings of overwhelm.

What I love about personal growth is that after a while, you are not only aware of these patterns, but eventually, you start to make different decisions—ones that are more aligned with the life you want to live. It takes time to witness yourself going through these motions, and you’ll often continue to engage in unhelpful habits despite being aware of what you’re doing.

As I’ve observed my actions this week, I’ve been reminded of this awesome little video that Headspace produced about the hole in the road.

One Piece of Business Advice

You’re just about to step back from work for the day when an email or text pops up on your phone. A client or your boss (anyone, really) has a last-minute request for you… and you feel that internal struggle bubble up, but you just can’t say no.

How often do you find yourself saying “Yes” when you really mean “No” or “No, not right now?”

Maybe it’s time for a mindset shift. Saying ‘No’ can actually be quite powerful. Declining something gives you the opportunity to say "yes" to something more meaningful, leading to a more balanced and satisfying career. Take advantage of the power of "no" by doing these things:

1. Focus and Prioritization: Saying “no” allows you to allocate your time, energy, and resources more efficiently towards your strategic goals, maintaining a clear focus on what truly matters.

2. Healthy Boundaries: Establishing boundaries by saying “no” is vital for preserving your well-being and ensuring you have the bandwidth to lead effectively without burning out.

3. Trust and Accountability: By making conscious decisions to say “no,” you demonstrate your commitment to your priorities and earn the respect and trust of your team.

To gracefully decline requests, keep these tips in mind:

• Be polite and appreciative. Express gratitude for the consideration!

• Maintain a friendly and positive tone to keep the conversation constructive.

• Show empathy by genuinely expressing regret for declining the request.

• Clearly explain your reasons without over-explaining. There's more power in your response this way.

• Offer alternatives or collaborate to find a solution, demonstrating a willingness to help despite saying “no.”

One Mastery Tip

Understanding your blind spots is central to your personal mastery journey, but mere awareness isn't enough. Putting safeguards in place will help you navigate these blind spots. You could do this by getting regular feedback from trusted sources, keeping an open mind to different perspectives, and developing a self-reflection practice. Actively implementing these safeguards will help you uncover hidden obstacles and steer your personal growth journey more clearly and intentionally.

A Quote I Love

“If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk, really amazing things can happen.” ~ Marissa Mayer

One Resource

Shameless plug alert! My new podcast gives you one daily question to ponder and guide your professional and personal development journey.

If you haven’t listened to it, maybe this week is the week?