When Anand entered the workforce a few years ago as an Assistant Manager at a bank, he believed that saying “no” at work was unprofessional. He said “yes” to everything — taking on new projects, covering for colleagues, and even putting in extra hours if a task demanded it. Anand didn’t want to do half the things on his to-do list, but he also didn’t have the confidence to turn people down. He worried he would disappoint them and appear disagreeable. Most of all, he hated confrontation.

Naturally, Anand was overwhelmed and exhausted. He conflated his work performance as a measure of success for his entire life. As a result, he failed to recognize his own burnout.

One particularly busy month, Anand overbooked his calendar to such an extent that he was unable to meet his deadlines. He vividly remembers the day his boss called him into the office. The stern look on his boss’s face was a clear indication of the impending conversation. His boss pointed out his habit of initiating an endless array of tasks without assessing how to execute them. “Anand, you need to prioritize your to-do list,” his boss said firmly, handing him yet another assignment.

That moment was a turning point for Anand. He walked out of the office with a new perspective and an additional task: to learn how to prioritize. As he began this journey, Anand realized how much he had mindlessly taken on without considering what he truly enjoyed doing — and worse, he still had no idea what those things actually were. All that extra work had left him with no time for self-reflection.

Determined to change, Anand started small. He began by analyzing his workload and identifying tasks that were not essential. Gradually, he learned to delegate responsibilities and focus on his core duties. One day, a colleague asked him to cover an additional shift. Anand, for the first time, politely declined. “I’m really sorry, but I have prior commitments that I need to honour,” he said, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief.

The colleague’s response was surprising. “I understand, Anand. Thanks for letting me know early,” they replied with a smile. This simple interaction bolstered Anand’s confidence. He realized that saying “no” didn’t make him a bad person; it was a necessary step to manage his time and energy effectively.

There were still days when Anand struggled with saying “no.” Sometimes, the old fears of disappointing others resurfaced. However, he reminded himself that prioritizing his well-being was not just about self-preservation but also about being a better team member. By managing his workload better, he could contribute more effectively and reliably.

The most liberating part of Anand’s journey was understanding that saying “no” didn’t mean he was unprofessional or disagreeable. Instead, it empowered him to choose where he spent his time and energy. Anand discovered that setting boundaries and saying “no” when necessary clarified his priorities and helped build trust with his teammates. They appreciated his honesty and reliability more than his perpetual willingness to take on tasks he couldn’t handle.

Saying “no” taught Anand to set boundaries and prioritize his well-being. He learned that his worth was not solely determined by his productivity but by how he managed his time and resources. The confidence to say “no” allowed him to focus on what truly mattered to him, making him more effective and fulfilled in both his professional and personal life.

Anand hopes that by sharing his story, others can find the courage to assert their own boundaries and recognize the power of “no” in achieving a balanced and meaningful life. His journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is to say “no.”