Key points
Learn to say no with confidence using your values as your filter.
Rest fuels creativity, innovation, and long-term success.
Impact comes from focus, not doing it all.
As an academic, helping professional, and mom, I used to say yes to almost everything that was asked of me.
It felt like the “successful” thing to do. It was how I demonstrated that I was hardworking, capable, and willing to go above and beyond. It was also fear -based. If I said "no" to an opportunity, it would go to someone else and I might lose my edge.
I got to a point where I was constantly moving—just not forward. I realized my life revolved around crossing tasks off my to-do list or answering emails within 24 hours.
But if you're anything like me, your vision of success when you first started out di