I. Do. Not. Care.

I couldn’t care less in fact.

About what? About how long it took you to write that email. The one where you actually said “no” to something. 

Listen, have you ever spent 30 minutes agonizing over an email that just says "no, I can’t take that on right now because my plate is full"? Or an email having to ask for an adjustment of a deadline that isn’t working for you any more? 

Lawyers tell me all the time that it takes them ”too long” to write these kinds of emails—and they feel bad, like they should be able to say no faster or without feeling so uncomfortable. So they judge themselves for it.

I get it. It’s uncomfortable. It would be great if it was easier for you. 

But let me tell you—that 30 minutes? To me, it’s worth it. I’m not judging you. I’m applauding you. 

Because what’s the alternative? 

Saying "yes" to something you don’t have the time or energy for? Filling your plate so full that there’s no room left for you?

Writing that email, even if it takes a while, is you honoring your limits. It’s you making space for what matters most. So, if it takes 30 minutes to write, that’s okay. That’s time well spent.

Remember: a slow, thoughtful "no" is better than a quick, regret filled "yes."

Every time you say “no,” a lawyer gets their wings.