Tips for Managing Workload Without Stress

It feels good to be seen as the go-to person. But then the “yes” starts to haunt you when you realize you’ve got no idea where this extra work fits. Cue the late nights, the stress, and the resentment creeping in. We’ve all been there — wanting to be helpful, likable, or just a team player, even if it costs us. And while it’s totally understandable, it doesn’t make it any less overwhelming when you’re staring at a to-do list that feels impossible. Here’s the shift: Saying ”no“ isn’t about letting people down. It’s about setting boundaries that protect your energy, your time, and your ability to deliver your best work. And when you do take something on? It’s got to be with intention, not obligation. Here’s how to get there: 1️⃣ Pause Before You Say Yes: Instead of committing on the spot, practice saying, “Let me check my workload and get back to you.” This gives you breathing room to decide intentionally. 2️⃣ Get Real About Your Capacity: Take a hard look at your current commitments. What’s urgent, and what’s important? Where does this new request fit? 3️⃣ Set Boundaries Clearly: If it doesn’t fit, be honest: “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now. Here’s an alternative suggestion…” If it does fit, define what you can realistically deliver and by when. When you stop defaulting to “yes,” you create more space for what truly matters. When you honor your limits, you show up better for yourself, your work, and yes, even your colleagues. The result? Less stress, fewer late nights, and more respect from colleagues who see you as someone with clear priorities and boundaries. Have you ever felt stuck in a “yes” you didn’t have room for? What’s one boundary you’re working on setting? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

"The stress of having so many bosses, so little time, and few resources is getting to me." I spent time the other day speaking with a brand new CMO and offered some advice it has taken me years to learn. It may not be suitable for everyone, but if a pearl works for you... ⏱ Put it down on paper. If you are overloaded write your long to-do list on paper or type it into a document. Get the stressors out of your mind and onto paper, and you will be better able to visualize what you have ahead of you. Once you do that, you'll be better positioned to plan your priorities and consider tasks you can delegate. ⏱ Don't look at the long to-do list every single day. Rather each day, take a few things, three to five is what I usually recommend to my clients, put those on a small note pad, and focus on accomplishing just those.  If there is time after accomplishing those, you can always go back to your longer list. ⏱ On Fridays, review your past week. Were there things that others could have helped you with? Were there projects that could be done better, more efficiently and more effectively? By looking back, you'll be able to tell and move ahead differently for next week. ⏱ If you are structuring a new group, avoid too many direct reports. It's a road to burnoutdom. The rule of seven says that you will be more productive if you can have seven or fewer. I believe that as well. ⏱ Avoid silos of information within your marketing organization and the firm. Some of the most significant stressors I see when working with law firms come when one area doesn't know what the other is doing. The friction (aka complaints) from lawyers and your own staff are generally issues that could have been mitigated by breaking down silos. By creating processes to keep workflows going and putting good communications in place, you can avoid a tremendous number of problems. ⏱ In addition to real getaways, take mini-breaks, even during the day. A walk outside or a trip down the block to grab a coffee can increase endorphins, get your brain cells moving and release some of the pressure. It will also help you think more clearly when you return to the office. ⏱ Learn to say no. One year, I spent several weekends on the phone with a particularly brilliant (yet challenging) lawyer. By the time May rolled around, I realized I was absent from three-holiday celebrations with my family. To some degree, it was my fault for not drawing the line. ⏱ Keep your brain refreshed with new ideas. Be active in industry organizations, for me that means the Legal Marketing Association - LMA International and the International Bar Association, and listen to programs and podcasts on topics you love, even if they don’t relate to your career. I hope you'll share your ideas for how those in leadership positions can achieve more while stressing out less. 

Last week, while speaking to a leadership team about reducing burnout and embracing joy at work despite increasing instability, someone asked: “How do you handle the stress of a never-ending workload without, as you say, burning crispy?” Oh, I felt that. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what level or job you’re in or what crisis you’re facing, the to-do list just keeps growing. When your workload feels like an endless winter storm, here’s what helps: ✔️ Start with three. Each morning, lock in three things that matter—things you can move forward. Not everything is urgent. Ask yourself: “What moves the needle today?” ✔️ Clarify the chaos. Before you start sprinting, check in with your boss or team: “What’s the real priority here?” If someone dumps a last-minute task on you, say: “Happy to help—let me check in to see what I could, if possible, move around to make it happen?” Reduce the guessing and stressing. ✔️ Work smarter, not solo. Don’t suffer in silence—ask teammates for their best hacks, share the load, or find ways to streamline. You don’t get bonus points for doing it the hard way. ✔️ Give yourself a breather. Overwhelm creeping in? Take 10 minutes to reset—walk, stretch, breathe. Sometimes a little fresh air is exactly what you need. You’ll get more done without running yourself into the ground. How do you keep your workload from taking over your life while managing your stress? #burnouttolitup #leadership #work #daisyaugerdominguez