Why Saying No Matters Now

Let’s be honest. Saying no doesn’t always come naturally. Most corporate leaders are drowning in “good” work—committee meetings, team projects, and extra assignments that keep everyone else happy but do nothing for your actual career growth.

According to Gallup, employee burnout costs U.S. companies over $190 billion a year in health expenses alone. And if you live and work in Austin TX, you’ve seen how fast-paced this corporate scene can be. The city’s booming tech and finance sectors demand high performance—and even higher emotional bandwidth.

That’s where the power of saying no comes in. Because learning to say no isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most.

The 4 Steps to Reclaim Time and Power (The No-vember Framework)

I call this the No-vember Challenge—four weeks, four lessons, and four ways to stop giving your energy away to things that don’t deserve it.

🎥 Watch: The Art of Saying No – No-vember Challenge with Shayla King

#1: Say No to Non-Promotable Work

Non-promotable work is the silent killer of career growth. It’s all the “helpful” stuff that doesn’t get you paid, promoted, or genuinely make you happy—like organizing the office holiday party or jumping into every side project.

Why it works: When my executive coaching clients start tracking their time, they realize how much of it is spent proving instead of progressing. Once we shift their energy to projects that move the needle, visibility and promotions follow fast.

How to apply it:

Next time someone asks for help, try this:

“That sounds like a great opportunity, but I’m already leading a key initiative for Q3. I think it would be a great stretch project for [insert colleague].”

You’ll stay strategic, professional, and focused on high-value work.

#2: Say No to Holiday Stress

Let’s talk about family dynamics. The holidays can be beautiful—and a lot. People say things that don’t match the playbook in your head.

Here’s what I tell my coaching clients: silly little people do silly little things. You can’t control what they say, but you can control what you make it mean.

This is emotional leadership—the same skill that makes great executives exceptional humans at home.

Quick mindset shift: Choose peace over proving. Presence over perfection.

#3: Say No to Clutter

Your environment mirrors your mind. If your desk or car feels chaotic, your brain carries that weight too.

As part of the challenge, I teach a simple mantra: Don’t put it down, put it away.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about peace. When your physical space feels lighter, your mind does too.

This one shift has helped corporate leaders I coach in Austin TX and beyond feel more organized, confident, and calm—even in high-stress seasons.

#4: Say No to Negative Self-Talk

This is the hardest—and most important—no of all. Saying no to that little voice in your head that whispers, “You’re not ready,” or “You’ll mess it up.”

Just because your brain thinks it doesn’t mean it’s true.

Inside the challenge, I’ll teach you my Thoughts on Trial tool—one of the most powerful mindset strategies I use in leadership coaching and executive coaching for women. You’ll learn to challenge old beliefs, cross-examine your inner critic, and build a brain that works for you, not against you.

Because that’s what we do in the 5% Club—we train our brains to create lives we love.

Austin Insight: Performance + Peace in a Fast-Growing City

Austin is full of ambitious, high-performing leaders—especially women climbing the corporate ladder in tech, finance, and healthcare. But with growth comes pressure.

As an executive coach based here in Austin TX, I see it every day. The city’s culture rewards hustle—but the happiest, most successful leaders are the ones who’ve mastered balance. They say no to busy and yes to intentional.

Common Questions About Executive Coaching

What is executive coaching?

It’s a strategic partnership that helps leaders improve performance, mindset, and overall life satisfaction—both at work and at home.

How is executive coaching for women different?

Women face unique workplace dynamics—bias, burnout, invisible labor. Coaching gives them tools to lead powerfully without sacrificing peace.

What’s the difference between leadership coaching and life coaching?

Leadership coaching helps you grow professionally. Life coaching for corporate leaders ensures that success doesn’t come at the expense of joy, health, or relationships.

Why work with an executive coach in Austin TX?

Because the right coach understands the unique pace and energy of this city—and how to help you thrive in it.

Your 30-Day Action Plan

Start today:

✅ Week 1 – Audit your time. Cut one non-promotable task.

✅ Week 2 – Set one new boundary for the holidays.

✅ Week 3 – Declutter one physical space that drains you.

✅ Week 4 – Name your inner critic and tell them to take a hike.

By the end of the month, you’ll have reclaimed hours of time and gallons of energy.

Join the No-vember Challenge

It’s time to stop doing what doesn’t matter so you can make space for what does.

Join me for the No-vember Challenge—four weeks, four lessons, and four ways to feel lighter, calmer, and more in control before the new year begins.

You’ll get weekly video lessons, micro-challenges, and access to a private Facebook group where I’ll be coaching and answering questions in real time.

👉 Join now at ShaylaKing.com

– We kick off this Saturday!

Because in the 5% Club, we don’t just dream about a better life.

We design it. One powerful “no” at a time.

About Shayla King

Shayla King is a former C-Suite executive turned executive coach based in Austin TX. She’s the creator of the Performance + Happiness (PH+) Formula and host of The 5% Club podcast, helping corporate leaders rise to the top without burnout.

Join her waitlist for upcoming 1:1 coaching and group programs at ShaylaKing.com

Your coach, cheerleader, and accountability partner,

Shayla