I Can Do That

I cannot remember the company that ran the ad, but I do remember that tag line, “I can do that…I can do that…how can I do that.”  The guy would say yes to everything then a bit later would figure out there was no way he could do everything he just committed to doing.  Over committing, is very common occurrence these days?  We respond to multiple events on the same day knowing it will be a bear to make all of them.  We say yes to something that the boss wants knowing we have way too many deliverables ahead of their request.  We buy our kid the GI Joe with the kung fu grip just to shut them up.  I can go on and on with examples, but I think you get the drift.

What is the common thing with the examples above?  I’ll give you a clue.  If you are dyslexic, the answer is ON.  If you’re not, the answer is NO.  For some reason, people have difficulty with saying no.  No is not a bad word; however, we have a heck of a time using the word in a fair amount of instances.  My take on it comes down to two things, afraid we will disappoint someone (being the pleaser) and boundaries issues regarding our time.  Well, those are the two things most common to me when I am reluctant to say no.  As much work as I’ve done, and continue to do, on my boundaries and time management, there are still times I should say no but don’t.  As soon as I agree to something that overtaxes me, I get that less than good feeling knowing I just allowed someone step all over my boundaries and my time.  I own it not the other person.

I can do that is the okay, and I cannot do that is okay too.  It is your time and your boundaries.  Love them, embrace them, and enforce them.  You will be glad you did.