You can and should keep the "can do" mindset while learning to say "no". Key is to say "no" by saying "Yes, this is what I need to do it". Doing it wrong #1: B

You can and should keep the "can do" mindset while learning to say "no". Key is to say "no" by saying "Yes, this is what I need to do it". Doing it wrong #1: Boss: Hey, can you be the architect for system X? You: Yes, sure, my schedule is full but I'll just work weekends and screw up work-life-balance. Doing it wrong #2: Boss: Hey, can you be the architect for system X? You: No, I don't have time. Boss: Your attitude sucks. I'll replace you. Doing it right #1: Boss: Hey, can you be the architect for system X? You: Yes, I'd love the challenge My schedule is full, can you assign some of these tasks to someone else? Doing it right #2: Boss: Hey, can you be the architect for system X? You: Yes, I'd love the challenge. I'm fully booked until Novemver, how about I schedule this for December?