Boundaries in Business Part 4: Boundaries with Business Decisions

Choosing Work That Aligns

If you say yes to everything, what are you actually saying no to?

Let’s talk about making business decisions that serve you, not just your bank account. Whether you're an employee making career choices or a business owner deciding which clients or projects to take on, the work you choose impacts your long-term success, stress levels, and overall job satisfaction.

The Trap of Taking Work Just for the Paycheck

We’ve all done it; taken on a role, a client, or a project that looked good on paper but drained us in the process.

For employees and managers, this might look like accepting extra responsibilities that don’t advance your career, just because they’re expected of you.

For business owners, it often means taking on clients out of financial fear rather than strategic positioning; leading to high-maintenance work with little long-term gain.

?? The real question is: Does this work move you closer to the career or business you actually want to build?

How to Choose Work That Aligns (Without Fear of Missing Out)

1. Run a ‘Future Impact Test’ Before Saying Yes

Instead of only considering immediate pros and cons, take 60 seconds to project the cumulative impact of this decision:

• Employee/Manager: If I continue saying yes to similar work, where will I be in 2 years? If the answer is “stuck” or “off-track,” reconsider.
• Business Owner: Does this client type align with my future ideal client base? Or am I setting a precedent for low-value work?

?? New Insight: Most people make decisions based on their current situation. The Future Impact Test forces you to decide based on where you actually want to be.

Fact: Employees who take on strategic, skill-aligned work are 3X more likely to receive promotions within 3 years (LinkedIn Workplace Trends, 2023).

2. Establish a ‘Strategic No’ System (Pre-Decide Your No’s)

Saying no is easy in theory, but hard in the moment - especially when money or pressure is involved. Pre-deciding your non-negotiables makes those decisions effortless.

• Employee/Manager: Create a personal decision filter; e.g., “I only take on leadership projects that align with my long-term career goal of [insert your goal here].”
• Business Owner: Develop a polite ‘misalignment response’ to decline clients who aren’t a fit while keeping the door open for better opportunities.
• Both: Utilize a a ‘Soft No’ Strategy for when you need more time to decide: If you’re not 100% sure whether to accept or decline, use a soft no like the below to buy time:

“Let me review my priorities and get back to you by [specific date]. I want to ensure I can give this the attention it deserves.”

?? Why It Works: This prevents knee-jerk "yes" responses while giving you time to assess alignment.

3. Treat Work Like an Investment Portfolio

If 80% of your work is stable, aligned, and strategic, reserve 20% for experimental or high-risk opportunities. Not the other way around.

Why this works:

• Employee/Manager: You can say yes to one-off projects or stretch assignments without derailing your career.
• Business Owner: You can take on a one-off project for financial stability without making it your business model.

?? New Insight: Just like investing, diversification is key - some risks are worth taking, but they shouldn’t define your entire strategy, and 911's shouldn't be the norm. If they are (the norm), then don't call it a 911, call it 'another day at the office'.

Why Being Picky Isn’t Selfish; It’s Strategic

Every misaligned "yes" takes energy away from aligned opportunities. Saying no creates space for work that fits your skills, goals, and values.

? High-value clients and employers respect professionals and businesses with clear standards and goals.

? Being intentional with work choices leads to better retention, higher satisfaction, and stronger long-term success.

Final Thought: "Your work should build the career (and life) you actually want. Not just the one that pays the bills."

?? Let’s talk: Have you ever regretted saying yes to work that didn’t align? How did you fix it? Drop your experiences below! ??