[header] How to stop making things harder for yourself [title] Say no to unnecessary requests. [step] People will often say " yes " to requests from coworkers, family members, friends, and partners, even when these requests are time consuming and at times irrational. This is because you do not want to let other people down. 
By spending valuable time on side tasks, you are distracting yourself from completing your own goals. Sometimes it is best to just say " no.