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Are you saying yes out of ambition or fear? After nine years in big law, I've come to a powerful realization: every "yes" is simultaneously a "no" to something else. Whether you're a new associate afraid to decline assignments or a seasoned attorney drowning in commitments, this episode unveils the hidden equation that governs our professional choices.

The pressure to constantly say yes is baked into legal culture. We're taught that availability equals dedication, that boundaries signal a lack of commitment. But what if the opposite is true? What if the most successful legal careers are built not on unlimited yeses but on strategic, intentional choices that honor both professional ambition and personal wellbeing?

Drawing from my own journey—from a young associate who said yes to everything to a partner who's learned to make more deliberate choices—I share practical strategies for making decisions that truly serve your career goals. We explore the art of the "gracious no," the power of the "yes, but" conversation, and why regularly reassessing your priorities is essential as your career evolves. I also tackle the fascinating generational shift in boundary-setting, as younger millennials and Gen Z approach work-life boundaries differently than those who came before them.

Ready to transform your approach to professional opportunities? Listen now, and discover how making more intentional choices can help you create a legal career that's not just sustainable but deeply meaningful. 

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.