Learn to say no respectfully when necessary, prioritizing your core responsibilities. While we can keep finishing our tasks we are bound to get overwhelmed as number of adhoc tasks we get and adhoc tasks we unknowingly get into will over number our time and effort. So when it comes to finishing both these categories of adhoc tasks plus ones you anyways need to finish something that props up newly has to be given a gate pass. So next time when you say a No think why completing ones you are supposed to is important and also think why you got into some of those adhoc tasks unknowingly and if you had said No you could have picked this one that would have made you learn and explore more

? Communicate your capacity to your team clearly. ? Suggest alternative solutions or timelines for new tasks. ? Learn to say no respectfully, focusing on core responsibilities. ? Use email signatures to set response time expectations. ? Implement autoresponders during focused work periods. ? Encourage prioritization from requestors to focus on high-impact tasks. Flow Chart: ?? Communicate → Propose → Decline → Set Expectations → Prioritize

1. Avoid overcommitting. Often we say 'yes' now to keep someone happy, even though we know we'll have to let them down later. Be upfront with what's possible for your schedule so you can find a solution together. 2. Offer a deadline that works for you. Communicate your availability and a realistic deadline you can commit to. When you get consistent wtih following through on your commitments, you'll get less pushback as your colleagues trust you'll deliver what you say. 3. Ask the requestor to prioritize. If you can only get to one of their tasks, ask for their feedback on where they would prefer you focus. Avoid saying yes to everything, and treating them all as your top priority.

Managing workflow and setting up boundaries in the work place isn't a solo mission. You must bring in your lead or managers to help with this. There isn't just a list of magical steps to do here. This may need cultural change. Team or individual capacity is a limited resource. Perhaps begin with asking why this feeling of being swamped by endless task? Is this just you and you need more tools/training? Is this common across the team, so perhaps there's a workflow process review required? Have the courage for an honest and open conversation about this before it overwhelms you.

To set clear boundaries and avoid being overwhelmed, start by adding email signature disclaimers. Below your signature, explain when people can expect a reply and what your typical office hours are. This increases transparency and sets expectations. Use your autoresponder wisely—activate it when you're focusing on major projects or need uninterrupted time, letting people know when they can expect a response. Finally, set clear communication guidelines for your team, specifying when and how you prefer to be contacted. This helps avoid unnecessary interruptions and promotes a more focused workflow. Leading by example, avoid sending emails after hours to signal the importance of work-life balance.