How (and When) to Say No to the Boss

Saying no is a difficult thing, especially if you’re in the early stages of your career or if you’re passionate about your job and find meaning in what you do. But research shows that purpose-driven work can negatively affect your mental and physical health if you don’t maintain work-life balance.

• To sustain your effectiveness and well-being over time, it’s essential to learn the art of turning people down.
• First, change your mindset. It’s hard to say no when you feel like work is the most important thing in your life. Think about what else is meaningful to you. Unless you know how else you could spend your time, saying no with conviction will be tough.
• Next, identify the opportunity cost of saying no. If you say yes to a new project, what are you necessarily giving up? Would it take time away from your family or a hobby, or would it disrupt your sleep schedule?
• Lastly, get comfortable saying no. Start by practicing in low risk situations and get an accountability buddy — someone who can support your overall well-being and help you stay motivated.