It's not you, it's me 💁

#WednesdayWisdom

"It will never be perfect, but perfect is overrated. Perfect is boring." —Tina Fey

Morning Musings

As a recovering people-pleaser, nothing gives me greater anxiety than potentially disappointing someone. It's the reason I agree to coffee dates, networking events and work that I'd sometimes rather not actually do. So lately I've been "trimming the fat," if you will, and making more room for *me* in my life. And, as a result, I'm freeing up time to spend doing the things I want to do.

Within the last two weeks, I've "broken up" with two different clients. While I could certainly use the extra income, I finally decided that the wasn't worth the money in the long run. So I came clean and told them the truth: "it's not you, it's me."

I explained that I'd been overwhelmed due to a recent promotion and other responsibilities. I offered to introduce them to industry friends who specialize in the services they need and, to my surprise, they understood and empathized.

I immediately felt as though a weight had been lifted. Now I'm trying to be careful not to make the same mistakes in the future. As it's been said, "if it's not a 'hell yes,' it's a no." That is, if something doesn't make you jump for joy (whether literally or figuratively), it's not worth your time, energy or attention.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. But if you're a people-pleaser like me, it's all too easy to talk ourselves into doing something we don't really want to do so as not to risk hurting someone's feelings. The hell-yes-or-no question is a gut check. And, as we all know, the gut never lies.

Love,
L'Oreal

Required Reading

Science Agrees: Work Stress is Ruining Your Health

How to Create Healthy Boundaries for Yourself

Is Stress the Latest Status Symbol?

Another Way That Being Too Busy is Making Your Life Worse

My Latest Obsession

When I saw this art print in (which you check out if you haven't already), I just knew I had to have it. The poster basically summarizes what I and a lot of my creative friends have been going through since you-know-who took over the Oval. How do we navigate our feelings, guard our mental energy, stay informed AND create art that stands for something? This "illustrated guide for creative resistance" Courtney Martin and Wendy MacNaughton tells you how.

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Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this of LT in the City Weekly! Hit me up on the Interwebs below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!