Many times we tend to put on extra duties and extra responsibilities. Most of which do not belong to us. Resulting in headaches, heartaches, and loss of sleep. Some of my colleagues would come to me stating all the things they have to do, which is fine. However when it does not directly affect them. I would kindly tell them
Take that jacket off.
It’s not yours
Saying YES to everything can lead to
Exhaustion
Stress
And Burnout
Saying NO may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Here’s what I learned by prioritizing and setting boundaries.
It protects your wellbeing
I know you want to help everyone. I know you want to heal everyone, instead of saying NO. You try to accommodate everyone in everything.
Their burden isn’t yours.
Their issues that they’ve caused isn’t yours
Before the young David went to battle against Goliath. King Saul offered him the opportunity to wear his armor. However, David respectfully declined.
Because the armor didn’t fit him. I Samuel 17:38–40
So when they try to make their burden your priority. Kindly decline.
It’s ok to say no
Or show them a way that they can do it themselves.
Just because you are there doesn’t mean you are there for that! Protect your well-being.
It helps your productivity
Putting on everyone else’s jacket. Would tie your hands from doing what you have to do. Focusing on other people’s needs and feelings causes you to neglect your own. Prioritize your ideas and your goals may sound selfish. However, at times, you have to be. Otherwise, society would then write you off as being lazy.
Reach your goals first
Take yourself to the next level first
Ascend to your most dominant aspiration first.
Then you would be in a position to help others.
Take the speck out of your eye before helping someone else. Matthew 7:3–5
To be more productive for you. Take off their jacket and put on yours.
It promotes self-respect
Respecting yourself and your boundaries causes others to do the same. It shows people that
You
Your time
Talents
And efforts
Is just as important as others. Saying No teaches people to value you. Resulting in healthy, and positive relationships. Keeping your personal jacket on teaches self-respect, and it builds your self-esteem. Over time the people who love you will understand.
Conclusion
Bottom line, it’s ok to say no. Establish clear boundaries for yourself and others. It will protect your well-being, and your productivity, and it promotes self-respect.
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