Dear “Person-who-is-too-kind-to-say-no”,
I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge your dedication and kindness in the workplace. Your commitment to being a supportive and accommodating team member is truly commendable.
However your kindness leads you to overlook an essential aspect of well-being: setting boundaries. It’s essential to strike a balance between being helpful and taking care of yourself.
I understand that setting boundaries can be challenging, especially in a professional setting where you want to be a team player. Still, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental health and overall well-being.
Setting boundaries isn’t a sign of selfishness or indifference. Instead, it’s an act of self-care and self-respect. It allows you to protect your mental and emotional health, ensuring that you have the energy and capacity to perform at your best in the long run.
You are probably familiar with the analogy of the Oxygen Mask.
This is that always-repeated in-flight safety announcement that parents must put on their own oxygen mask first (if decompression occurs) before seeing to their children. If you are unconscious you are no help to anyone around you. So you have to learn to put on your own mask first.
Here are a few gentle steps to help you set your own boundaries:
1. It’s Okay to Say NO: Remember that saying “no” to additional tasks or requests when you’re stretched thin is not a sign of weakness
2. Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for self-care activities that help you recharge and relax.
3. Communicate Your Boundaries: It’s perfectly acceptable to communicate your boundaries to your colleagues and superiors respectfully. Of course you first have to know them. As a people pleaser this will be hard but ultimately very empowering.
4. Seek Support: If you’re struggling with setting boundaries, consider seeking support from a trusted colleague, mentor, or a mental health professional.
You deserve to feel happy, fulfilled, and balanced in all aspects of your life, including your professional one.
If you ever want to discuss this further or seek guidance on setting boundaries, I’m here to support you.
Book your Discovery Call here – click here
Your mental health is important to me, and I’m here to assist you in any way I can.
Warm regards,
Rosalyn x