Thank you for subscribing to Athena in Letters, the official newsletter of Athena in Progress, Guilliean Pacheco’s portfolio. Keep in touch with me via social media, or referring me to your friends and neighbors.

Aloha,

As 2025 winds down, we’re circling back on everything important next year. One thing that I’m interested in at the moment is keeping my head above water.

I say all that because, it’s a tough job market out there. It’s no secret that I’m currently looking for work.

I’ve set myself on the path of entrepreneurship, but I’m definitely feeling that impostor syndrome.

To see how others handle it, I attended a very fruitful discussion hosted by Deborah Porter through the Verizon Digital Ready service. It was incredibly inspiring. So I’m feeling energized.

This week, let’s talk about why we should be saying “no” more often, and some of the benefits of doing so.

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Table of contents

1. What I’m feeling now
2. This week’s article
3. More from Writeropolis Media

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1. What i’m feeling now

• Feeling: Toasty.
• Listening: “The Call” by Backstreet Boys.
• Playing: Disney Dreamlight Valley.
• Reading: “Meander, Spiral, Explode” by Jane Alison.
• Watching: Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

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2. Stop the Over-commitment Cycle: How Learning to Say No Can Change Your Life

The fear of disappointing others or missing out on opportunities can lead to over-commitment and burnout.

No one person can do everything. So, remember that “no” is a complete sentence.

Ultimately, the benefits of saying “no” can pave the way for a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

7 benefits of saying “no”

Saying “no” can reclaim personal time, energy, and improve mental health, including the following benefits.

1. Stress reduction

Reducing commitments can bring a strong sense of relief. By focusing on what’s important, we can feel less burdened. This extra mental space can help reestablish goals and desires.

2. Assertiveness

If you can’t personally help someone, it’s okay to say no. No matter how important they are, they need no explanation beyond stating that you already have a full schedule.

3. Personal improvement

Imagine consciously cutting back on activities that drain energy and joy. People can reclaim precious time to dive into passion projects.

4. Help others

Rather than taking on work that you can’t give all of your energy to, consider declining new work, reassigning nonessential tasks to someone you trust, or recommending someone else who can perform the same work.

5. Respect yourself

Setting clear and firm boundaries is essential for fostering an environment where others learn to treat you with the same level of respect and consideration.

6. Say yes

Saying “no” allows you to say “yes.” If you learn to say no to things that don’t advance what you’re trying to build in any measurable way, you’ll have time to say yes to things that do.

7. reclaim energy

People who frequently agree to every request or invitation might struggle to fulfill obligations. So it’s important to save energy for the tasks that deserve it.

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3. More from Writeropolis Media

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I’m not the type of girl that will let them see her cry

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