Mandy Morris, Trauma Therapist & Executive Psychology Coach

“Can you take a quick look at this? It’s urgent.”

And just like that, you’re rearranging a day you already spent half the morning organizing.

When you’re used to being the person everyone turns to for help, your brain’s already figuring out where to squeeze in the latest emergency. Sometimes you have to consciously stop yourself and think, “Hang on. How urgent is this, actually?”

There are absolutely situations where dropping everything is necessary. But we’ve all had an “urgent” request that really just meant somebody would prefer an answer today rather than tomorrow.

So you tell them you’ll get to it when you can, and they’re clearly not thrilled with that answer. Before you know it, you’re building a whole closing argument to explain why you can’t rearrange your day.

Seriously, since when does “I can’t today” require supporting documentation? 😆

When you’re so used to jumping in and putting out fires, it can become second nature to make room for everybody else’s priorities. And even when you do say no, you might catch yourself trying to make sure they’re okay with your answer.

But what about the things you’ve already committed to? Or how much energy you actually have left?

You don’t have to be running on fumes before your own needs and priorities get a say.

And remember… if they’re disappointed, you can care about them without taking on the extra job of making them feel better about your decision.