We often talk about success in terms of how much we can take on—how many clients we serve, how many hours we work, how much we say yes to. But what if the most powerful growth move you could make is learning to say no?
That’s what Jen Du Plessis shared with me on The Beyond Impact Podcast. And her perspective is one more entrepreneurs and professionals need to hear.
“Every time I said yes to someone else, I was saying no to myself,” Jen told me. “And it was costing me my health and my happiness.”
The Guilt Around Saying No
Many of us were raised to be helpful, accommodating, and easy to work with. We’re taught that saying no is selfish—or worse, unprofessional. Jen believed that for years, and it led her to overwork, burnout, and even physical illness.
But here’s what she discovered: boundaries don’t push people away. They attract the right people in.
Boundaries Create Space for Alignment
When Jen began protecting her time, energy, and values, everything changed. She was no longer pulled into low-value meetings or drained by unaligned clients. She started showing up more powerfully for the work—and the people—that mattered most.
Saying no isn’t about being rigid. It’s about being clear. And it’s about choosing your health over hustle.
“When I learned to say no with grace, I finally had room to say yes to what I really wanted,” Jen said.
Three Ways to Set Boundaries Without Burning Bridges
During our conversation, Jen shared a few ways to build boundaries that stick:
- Use Your Calendar as a Filter: Block your most productive hours and protect them fiercely.
- Say No with Gratitude: “Thanks so much for thinking of me, but I’m not available to take that on right now.”
- Pre-Qualify Opportunities: Ask if the request aligns with your goals, energy, and availability before committing.
The truth is, boundaries aren’t walls. They’re clarity. And the more you create them, the more energy, focus, and freedom you’ll get in return.
Hear the Full Conversation with Jen Du Plessis
In this episode, we talked about how Jen went from overcommitted and burnt out to focused, intentional, and thriving. If you’ve struggled with people-pleasing or saying no, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.
You don’t have to say yes to be successful. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do—for your business and your well-being—is say no.
