‘Your Lack of Planning Does Not Create an Emergency for Me’

In a world that glorifies the hustle and glorifies busyness, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that urgency equals urgency.
importance. But one thing is clear: Your lack of preparation does not give you the right to steal my time.
and make your crisis my problem. This isn’t about being rude or unhelpful; with these boundaries, respect and
The importance of personal responsibility.

As a business coach, I often hear that what gets people stuck or in a state of pure panic has nothing to do with work.
It’s all about them and another person’s lack of planning. Some examples include a co-worker struggling
At the last minute, they frantically leave their tasks on your desk and claim an looming deadline is looming. Or maybe it’s a
A friend who constantly needs last-minute favors, assuming you’ll pick up the pieces. Whether in professional settings or in personal relationships, we are faced with people who put their own comfort before ours, expecting us to swoop in and fix things they couldn’t plan for.

Emergencies happen and life becomes real “life” many times. But there is a big difference between real emergencies
and avoidable chaos that results from procrastination, poor planning, or neglecting to think ahead. Problem
It occurs when someone else’s lack of foresight is constantly viewed as a reason to make their needs more urgent than your priorities.

This statement – ​​“Your failure to plan is not an emergency on my part” – is a powerful statement.
It’s a reminder that we don’t have to overextend ourselves just because someone else failed to manage their own business.
responsibilities. This isn’t about rejecting compassion, but rather rejecting the idea that other people are compassionate.
Poor management should waste our time and energy. Below are three areas you need to consider.

Respecting Your Boundaries

Boundaries are an important part of any healthy interaction. When we say no to unnecessary emergencies
Not only are we protecting our time due to someone else’s lack of planning, but we are also ensuring that it is respected. This signals to us that:
Let’s value our own commitments, our own mental bandwidth, and our own plans enough to protect them.

You tend to feel guilty for not stepping in to solve someone’s last-minute problems. But how fair
Does it seem like that to you? By constantly being the “fixer” you not only enable that person’s behavior, you also reduce their behavior.
The value of your own time and priorities. Every time you stop what you’re doing to manage someone else’s avoidable situation
In a crisis, you sacrifice your peace of mind, your productivity, and sometimes even your sanity. We teach people how to treat us
ALL. THE. TIME.

If the situation is recurring, clearly communicate that the lack of planning should not create an unnecessary burden.
on you or others. Sample responses: “Let’s figure this out together, but going forward it might be helpful to:
Double-check deadlines and anticipate potential problems” or “Can we do this when we should be addressing this right away?”
Shall we discuss how similar situations can be prevented in the future?

Just say no. It’s okay to prioritize your needs over others sometimes. “Thank you for asking for help. I have to say no
because I have to (fill in the blank). In today’s plan, this is blocked off on my calendar until (XYZ) time. If
I will let you know if anything changes.”

Responsibility and Growth

Refusing to join someone’s last-minute challenge also encourages accountability. It helps them in many ways
grow. If there are no immediate consequences for their mess, there is no motivation to change. But when
Their frantic attempts to drag others into their chaos are met with strict limits, forcing them to reconsider their approach.

This is a necessary lesson in ownership: You are responsible for the choices you make and their consequences.
to bring. You are avoiding this responsibility by expecting others to drop everything and respond to your emergency. However
When others stand firm within their boundaries, responsibility falls back where it belongs: on the individual.

Keeping Your Peace

Perhaps most importantly, protecting yourself from other people’s chaotic energy is a way to protect your own energy.
peace. Life is tough enough without constantly absorbing stress you can’t handle. There is something deep
The feeling of empowerment that comes from being able to say, “This is not my emergency, and I will not let this become an emergency.”

Ultimately, operating on the principle that someone else’s lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on your part.
The part is about valuing yourself. It’s about maintaining the balance between empathy and enabling.
and making sacrifices. You can still be compassionate without being a doormat. You can be kind without being offended
advantage.

By setting clear boundaries, you empower not only yourself but also the people around you to take more control.
their actions, choices and consequences. Because at the end of the day, the only emergency you are responsible for is the one that is truly yours.

Okay, I can already hear your next comment. How can I say any of this respectfully and honestly?
Hurt your feelings? First of all, don’t be accusatory. Avoid statements like “You didn’t plan properly” or “It’s all your job.”
failure.” Focus on solutions. Instead of dwelling on the lack of planning, shift the conversation to finding it now.
Find solutions to the problem at hand and go back and re-read the part about respecting YOUR boundaries. You got this!

Sara Caputo is transforming the way individuals, teams, and small businesses navigate workflow and increase workspace
competence. His works were exhibited Working Women, SuccessAnd Forbesand other national and
regional publications. He can be reached at: [email protected].