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What I Learned from Saying No More Often
Why Setting Boundaries is Needed
As web designers, we’re naturally inclined to help clients, but not every project is a good fit. Saying no isn’t about turning people away—it’s about protecting our time, avoiding unnecessary stress, and creating space for better opportunities. This week, I focused on practicing saying no, which had a bigger impact than expected.
What Worked Well
This was a focus week, so I had already committed to fewer meetings and more deep work. A structured schedule made it easier to say no to last-minute requests and reschedule appointments for the following week without guilt. The result? More time for my own business and the ability to work on much-needed updates.
Challenges: Trusting My Gut on Project Fit
One of the hardest parts of saying no is recognizing when a project isn’t the right fit. I realized I was struggling with incoming inquiries that I knew weren’t ideal. To address this, I used my focus week to revamp my intake process, refining how I handle new inquiries to filter out poor fits earlier in the process.
A Surprising Benefit: Time for Business Improvements
By clearing space in my schedule, I could start working on a new pricing structure and contract update—something I had been putting off for months. In addition, after receiving feedback that my intake form felt too overwhelming for some clients, I revisited Josh Hall’s training and revamped my online contact form and contract. They likely would have stayed on my to-do list indefinitely without intentionally making time for these updates.
Tools & Resources That Helped
- Josh Hall's Web Designer Pro – Even after 20+ years in business, I find value in his training.
- Time Blocking & Focus Weeks – These techniques gave me four extra hours to work on my own business.
Lessons Learned
Saying no is tough, but it's one of the best things you can do to maintain balance in your business. Overcommitting doesn't serve anyone—not you, not your clients, and certainly not your sanity.
Moving Forward
I'd like to have a focus week more often because it allows me more time to refine my processes. Moving forward, I plan to be more intentional about protecting my work hours and making space for business growth.
How You Can Implement This Habit
If you struggle with saying no, try this approach: When a client requests something outside your availability, offer an alternative time instead of an immediate yes. This lets you control your schedule while still providing great service. Setting boundaries doesn't mean shutting people out; it means ensuring your work hours work for you.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use and trust. See my full disclosure here.
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help web designers build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.