Are you saying “yes” too often—and at the expense of your own well-being?
- Marina Silva
- Mar 27
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 29
I know how hard it can be to say no, especially in academia. I used to think saying yes to every request was the way to show I was a good team player and worked hard.
But here’s what I learned the hard way: every time I said yes to something that didn’t align with my priorities, I said no to my own goals, energy, and productivity.
As Warren Buffett once said,
“The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.”
The Hidden Costs of Saying Yes
Saying yes feels natural—it’s tied to a desire to help, contribute, and avoid disappointing others. But constantly agreeing to new tasks creates serious risks:
🔸Burnout from overcommitment.
🔸 Decreased productivity as your priorities take a back seat.
🔸 Mistakes and lower-quality work from rushing to meet deadlines.
Your Practical Takeaway
This week, take one moment to evaluate a new request before saying yes. Ask yourself:
1️⃣ Does this align with my goals and priorities?
2️⃣ Will this take away time or energy from my most important tasks?
3️⃣ Can I say no without guilt by offering an alternative or setting a boundary?
Try using this phrase:
“I’d love to help, but I don’t have the capacity right now. Let me know if there’s another way I can support you later.”
Small changes like this can make a big difference in protecting your time and energy.
What’s the hardest thing for you to say no to?
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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