This article is part of a series of articles published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Andrea Kömöcz IMA Norway.

As executive and management assistants, we often find ourselves in the service of others, constantly striving to be helpful and to please. We naturally go the extra mile, driven by our dedication to support and facilitate.

In our roles as executive and management assistants, we're wired to be helpers—to assist, facilitate, and enable. It's part of our job description to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone is supported.

However, our eagerness to assist can sometimes lead us to take on too much. Have you ever felt overwhelmed, finding yourself on the edge of burnout? How is that helpful to us or the companies we serve?

Setting boundaries is crucial, not just for our well-being but for maintaining our effectiveness. It's about managing our workload so we can handle our responsibilities without compromising our health.

I know saying "no" can be tough; I struggle with it too.

At a recent time-management course, I received some game-changing advice from a seasoned expert, Ingrid Dietrichson. She suggested, "Before you respond to any request, give yourself two hours. Whether it's a work task or a personal favor, taking this time helps you evaluate if it aligns with your priorities."

And remember, if someone demands an immediate answer because 'it's urgent,' consider that a red flag. Chances are it’s a demand, not a request—and that’s a situation where saying "no" is not only justified but advised.

Very few things are as urgent as they seem, but your health and well-being? They are always the most important.

So, next time you're asked to do something, take a moment. Reflect. Does it fit with your priorities?

If not, IT IS OKAY to say no. Protecting your time is protecting your health, and that’s something we can't afford to overlook.

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This article is penned by Andrea Kömöcz, Management Support at Equinor and member of IMA Norway.

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.