At work, there's always so many things to do. Initiatives to plan, meetings to attend, people to see, networks to connect to. Being a 'new' employee to the organization, it's difficult to say no. At times it's almost like I'm 'forcefully' throwing myself into conversations, committees, discussions, initiatives because then I look good, I'm trying hard and contributing something. But sometimes, even with a full plate I can't turn down an invitation because I want to look open and eager.
My supervisor (often the one loading me with tasks) and many coworkers constantly remind me to learn to 'say no'. If I say yes to everything, sure it's great, but it can also mean I do everything at a mediocre level as opposed to do one (or a few things) thing great.
I think it's something that I do a lot in all aspects of my life. I don't know how to say no. I don't know how to focus myself on one task, one person - I want to be everything to everyone. In the end I may have a lot of achievements, but nothing I truly think I excel it. I may have a lot of people who know me, but very few friends that I say really 'know' me. I say no when I should say yes, and yes when I should say no.
How do I change?
