Business Tips from SCORE: Avoiding burnout through embracing Intentional Inflexibility:

Today’s ideal employee is 100% available all the time, at the whim of whomever reaches to be “on” and “ready to respond.” If you are really the ideal employee you have learned as Fast Company commented it is not about "work/life balance” it is ”life.”

The Art of Setting Boundaries. In a world that glorifies adaptability and flexibility, the concept of intentional inflexibility might seem counterintuitive. However, there's a quiet strength and wisdom in knowing when to stand firm, when to say no, and when to hold fast to our principles. Intentional inflexibility is not about being stubborn or resistant to change. Rather, it's about setting boundaries, preserving our values, and safeguarding our well-being. It’s about guarding against the onslaught of constant distractions, pointless meetings and communications overload. It’s about protecting our most productive work hours so we can focus.

The Power of Saying No. Society often champions the idea of saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes our way. However, this mindset can lead to burnout, feelings of being overwhelmed, and a loss of focus on what truly matters. Intentional inflexibility involves the courage to say "no" when necessary. It means prioritizing our time, energy, and resources for activities that align with our goals and values. By setting boundaries and declining commitments that don't serve us, we create space for growth, creativity, and fulfillment. The best way to say no is by saying yes. “Yes, I have time to talk about your issue, but not right now. How about 2 p.m.?”

Preserving Mental and Emotional Health. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become swept up in the demands of work, relationships, and social obligations. Intentional inflexibility encourages us to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being above all else. It means recognizing when we need rest, solitude, or time for self-care, and unapologetically carving out space for these essential practices. By refusing to compromise on our need for balance and self-care, we cultivate resilience and inner strength.

Upholding Personal Values. Our values serve as guiding principles that shape our decisions and actions. Intentional inflexibility involves standing firm in our values, even when faced with pressure to compromise or conform. Whether it's refusing to participate in activities that contradict our beliefs or speaking up against injustice, intentional inflexibility empowers us to stay true to ourselves. By honoring our values, we cultivate integrity, authenticity, and a sense of purpose in our lives.

Strengthening Relationships. Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, both with ourselves and others. Intentional inflexibility allows us to communicate our needs and expectations clearly, fostering mutual respect and understanding. By setting boundaries around our time, emotions, and personal space, we create healthier dynamics with friends, family, and colleagues. While it may require courage and vulnerability, intentional inflexibility ultimately deepens our connections and nurtures more meaningful relationships.

Embracing Imperfection. In a culture that values productivity and perfection, intentional inflexibility invites us to embrace imperfection and surrender the need for control. It means acknowledging our limitations, accepting setbacks, and learning from mistakes without self-judgment. By relinquishing the pressure to constantly adapt and achieve, we free ourselves from the tyranny of perfectionism. Intentional inflexibility opens the door to self-compassion, resilience, and a greater sense of ease in navigating life's ups and downs. There are times when good enough is good enough. Striving for perfection often causes unnecessary stress that leads to burnout.

In a nutshell there are very specific benefits of adopting this approach to reducing the chances of burnout:

Maintaining standards and consistency that are essential for quality, safety or compliance

Clarity and predictability in expectations and outcomes. It also reduces risks where deviations from established procedures can pose significant risks.

Efficiency and streamlining by eliminating the constant need for negotiating or decision-making.

Protecting core values, principles or cultural norms.

Fosters legal and regulatory compliance by strictly adhering to legal standards

Preserving resources by preventing unnecessary deviations or exceptions that drain resources and creates disruptions.

Implementation of intentional inflexibility is different for everyone. It is setting time when you have NO interruptions, not attending meetings with no agenda or impromptu meetings that are not organized with a specific objective or being open to any incoming social media. You decide what to do and what not to do and then stick with it.

In a world that celebrates constant change and adaptability, intentional inflexibility offers a refreshing alternative. By setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and upholding our values, we cultivate greater clarity, resilience, and authenticity in our lives. Intentional inflexibility is not about resisting change or stagnating in complacency; rather, it's about finding balance, preserving what matters most, and honoring the inherent wisdom of knowing when to stand firm and when to let go. So, let us embrace intentional inflexibility as a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of life with grace, integrity, and purpose.

Contributed by Marc L Goldberg, Certified Mentor, SCORE Cape Cod & the Islands, www.score.org/capecod, 508/774-4884. Free and confidential mentoring and online webinars. Sources: Fast Company 3/27/24, Feeling Unproductive and burned out at work, try intentional inflexibility

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Reduce burnout in your life