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On this episode
Saying no and setting boundaries are core to avoiding burnout. But if saying no might put a patient at harm – or worse – what can you do?
In this quick dip episode, Rachel explains the concept of core and flex boundaries along with core and flex consequences. Core boundaries are non-negotiables that we always enforce, rather than preferences we’d like to enforce but can be flexible around.Key to this approach is also recognising the short- and long-term consequences of saying no.
By not setting boundaries or saying no when we need to, we risk damaging our relationships and neglecting our own needs. This can lead to regret, unfulfilled goals, and negative effects on other people who rely on us. But by setting rigid and flexible boundaries, we can get closer to a healthy work-life balance, and keep our priorities and commitments in tact.
Show links
- More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
- How to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 1 – Episode 169
- How to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 2 – Episode 171
- The Problem with Boundaries – Episode 161
Download the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.
Reasons to listen
- To discover how to set boundaries and say no in challenging situations, ie when someone’s life might be at stake.
- To understand the concept of core and flex boundaries and how they can help in decision-making.
- To learn about the short-term and long-term consequences of setting boundaries and saying no, and the importance of considering them when making decisions.
Episode highlights
Introducing core and flex boundaries
Core boundaries
Flex boundaries
What happens when core boundaries are in conflict
Short-term consequences
Long-term consequences
Core and flex consequences
Hierarchy of boundaries
Putting this into practice
Episode transcript
[00:00:00] Rachel: I was speaking at a conference for medical students the other day. And the talk I was giving was the talk I’ve been doing a lot all around the country about how to say now, embrace your limits, prioritize, set, boundaries, and deal with pushback. [00:00:14] And in this talk I asked three main questions. Number one is how do we make a choice when it feels like there is none? How do we embrace our limits in that system which is limitless? And the final question is how do we say no? When someone might die? [00:00:31]…
