Boundaries, Balance, and the Beauty of the Word ‘No’

By Tricia Scott.

We live in a world where it seems everyone wants a piece of us - our clients, friends, family, and even the neighbour who always forgets their keys or catches you jussst as you're on your way out with a 'have you got a minute'? Or that infamous DM, 'can I just pick your brains for a sec'?

I'm not suggesting that helping others isn't a good thing; great even! It's just that every time you say "yes" to something you don't want or need to do, you're essentially giving away pieces of your already limited resources. It's like handing out free samples of your time and energy at Costco. 'Can I interest you in trying a piece of my time, its super valuable!' ← don't do that.  

As female founders (and natural people pleasers), our resources are already in short supply once we've kept everyone alive and fed. Using the word no isn't about being selfish; it's about prioritising yourself to show up as the best version of you for those who matter (that includes you)—no need to over-explain or draw it out. A simple no or no thank you will suffice perfectly well.

Think of saying no as a one-sentence superpower. Wield it like a hot pink lightsaber and defend your boundaries like your life depends on it because it kind of does. By declining those extra commitments and standing firm, you get to create space for the things that truly matter to you, and that's where the magic is. It's in the less cluttered diary, the reduced stress levels and the quieter moments when your brain is less caffeinated squirrel and more tree-happy sloth (totally my spirit animal).

A polite yet firm no does not make you an awful person. Changing your mind from a yes to a no after an exhausting week doesn't make you flakey. It demonstrates that you know what you need and makes the moments where you say yes so much more fulfilling because you're fully present for all concerned, and who doesn't want more of that?

Let's face it, finding space in an entrepreneur's diary is like finding unicorn poo 🦄 so this week, I want you to discover your inner 'No Ninja' and reclaim your time and energy guilt-free. Make space for whatever YOU need (pj's optional but recommended), and remember to save some for me because I could use a little reminder from time to time too.

I believe in you (always).

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Tricia Scott is a passionate startup business mentor and the Founder and Editor of The Female CEO - Create Evolve Overcome, a platform and digital magazine holding the space to showcase female entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

The Female CEO is gaining global recognition daily and Tricia is able to bring her own level of expertise as a start-up mentor and multi-company director to her very exclusive table along with her team of brilliant Guest Editors and Contributors. You'll usually find her with her MacBook in one hand and a coffee or a glass of something fizzy in the other. Reach out anytime!