How to Protect Yourself from the Guilt of Saying No

On this episode

Saying no and setting boundaries is difficult for anyone, let alone those in the medical field. Often, the problem isn’t whether others give us permission to say no; it’s the pressure we put on ourselves to deliver.

The reality is that we’re in control of our choices, and we need to give ourselves permission to say no and align our actions with what truly matters to us. By setting boundaries and being honest about our priorities, we can avoid the stress and shame that come from ignoring our values.

Ask yourself these two questions:

1. Is there a really good reason for saying yes in this situation?
2. Is this more important to me than my core values?

Using these questions, we can weigh our decisions and act in a way that aligns with what matters most.

When we act against our core values, we risk feeling shame and frustration. This creates guilt and leaves us stuck in a cycle of overwork and stress – and we can even start resenting ourselves for not standing up for what’s important to us.

This quick dip is an invitation for you to say no to one thing you know isn’t aligned with your priorities. Even if it feels uncomfortable in the moment, it’ll help you build confidence and stay true to what really matters.