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flamingo fix

Flamingo Fix 008: Too Many Yeses, Not Enough You: Here’s How to Stop Paying the Price of Overcommitting to Clients

February 02, 20256 min read

Ever say yes to a client and regret it almost instantly?


That’s the Yes Hangover—when a well-intended commitment turns into a time-sucking, energy-draining nightmare.

Maybe it was the client who pushed for “just one more round” of revisions.

Or the one you knew was a bad fit but said yes to out of guilt.

Or that “quick favor” that spiraled into unpaid consulting.

And now?

🔹 Your calendar is packed with work you don’t want to do.

🔹 Your creativity and energy are tanking.

🔹 Your strategic projects are stalled.

🔹 And worse—you feel trapped by your own integrity.

Sound familiar? Let’s fix it.


The Flamingo Spotlight

Here’s what we know about you:
You take pride in delivering excellence.
Your word means something.
You care deeply about your clients and team.

And that’s beautiful… until it’s not.

When your commitments outweigh your capacity, something has to give. And too often, that “something” is you.

We’ve had clients delay going to the hospital to finish client work. Others worked from their sick beds until they relapsed. We’ve been there too—pushing through exhaustion and sickness just to “keep our word,” sacrificing our peace, health, creativity, and personal life in the process.

The cost of an unchecked yes is higher than you think.

But here’s the good news: You can honor your integrity without overcommitting yourself into exhaustion.

The key? A Yes Filter for Clients—a process to evaluate whether a client aligns with your capacity, vision, and values before you say yes.


The Flamingo Fix: A Yes Filter for Clients

Some clients should be an automatic no. Others may require structured offers that set both of you up for success. Either way, you need a system to assess who you’re saying yes to. Let's look at those client types.

🦩 Group 1: Clients Who Lack Motivation to Change (Avoid at All Costs)

🚫 If a client isn’t motivated to succeed, working with them will be like pulling teeth—without anesthesia.

AWARE CLIENTS – Work with those who understand what it takes to succeed.

  • Does this client fully grasp what it takes to work with you and get results?

  • Do they respect your expertise and reputation?

  • Do they take ownership of their challenges and seek real solutions?

CLIENTS WITH DESIRE – Work with those who want change and are willing to invest in it.

  • Do they want to change—and have the budget to do so?

  • Do their values and motivations align with yours?

  • Are external factors (financial, emotional, situational) likely to hinder their progress?

  • Do you believe you can help them? Do you have the bandwidth to do so without sacrificing your health and strategic priorities?

🛑 Repel these two groups in your marketing.

If they lack motivation, they will drain your time, energy, and patience. They’re the ones who don’t “do the work,” disappear, request refunds, or become high-maintenance. Avoid them at all costs.

🦩 Group 2: Clients Who Are Motivated but Lack the Tools & Ability (Set Clear Expectations)

✔️ These clients need support—but they also need structure.

KNOWLEDGEABLE CLIENTS – Work with those who are willing to learn.

  • Have you clearly communicated what they need to know or have before working with you?

  • Have you created resources that help them understand and implement your process and expectations?

  • Have you assessed their ability to access, learn and implement new information?

CLIENTS WITH ABILITY – Work with those who have the capacity to execute.

  • Do they have the psychological, intellectual and physical ability to commit to your process?

  • Do they have the time, resources, and financial support to follow through?

  • Do they have access to the tools, materials, or subject matter expertise needed to implement?

  • Have you set realistic timeframes for them to develop the skills and do the things required for success?

💡 Set clear expectations before you work together.
Define what clients must bring to the table and what you’ll provide. If they don’t meet those requirements, say no or adjust the scope to make success possible.

Otherwise, don’t be surprised when they stall, procrastinate, or demand more than agreed—leaving you overcommitted and frustrated.

If a client doesn’t pass your Yes Filter, it’s time to say no—or work with them on your terms.


🦩The Ripple Effect

When you filter your client yeses, you unlock the freedom to build a business that serves you—not just your clients.

✅ More time to focus on big-picture growth instead of drowning in busywork.
✅ More energy to serve dream clients who respect your process and show up ready to win.
✅ More confidence in your decisions—without second-guessing, guilt, or overwork.
✅ More client wins and repeat business because the right clients get the best results.
✅ More referrals and higher revenue from clients who love working with you.

And most importantly? You step into the role of a true CEO—leading your business with intention, not reacting to everyone else’s needs. You run your business on your terms.


The Flamingo Touch

Saying “yes” should feel expansive, exciting, and aligned—not like a slow march toward burnout.

Just like a flamingo chooses its nesting ground with care, you have the power to choose where and who you invest your time, energy, and expertise.

🦩 Your next-level business isn’t built on overcommitment to clients. It’s built on intentional yeses and confident nos.


💡 Need a Fix?

If you’re drowning in overcommitment, it’s time to recalibrate and say "No!" to the Yes Hangover. Here is how we can help you serve your clients, honor your integrity, and protect your peace—all at the same time.

OPTION 1: Grab the "How to Train Your Clients" Workshop for just $99. This fun, interactive pre-recorded 2-hour workshop shows you how to practically create "Yes Client Filters" in your business.

OPTION 2: If you are stuck at 250-500K and ready for 1:1 services to streamline your client fulfilment process so your business grows without burning you out, book a 30 minute strategy call.

OPTION 3: Fly into the "CEO Like A CEO" Monthly Roundtable in the Pink Flamingo Club. Start your end-to-end client fulfilment transformation and learn how to track and leverage standard business operations KPIs that make fulfillment and business growth 10x easier.

OPTION 4: Subscribe to Flamingo Fix: Your Weekly Guide to Scaling Smarter, Leading Better, and Living Freer! Get quick, actionable advice (like this post) to balance business growth and personal boundaries. Streamline operations, elevate client experiences, and scale your business—without the burnout. As a bonus, the first issue shares our proven client onboarding process, complete with the tools to create a red-carpet onboarding experience that wow your clients without utter chaos or losing your sanity.

Here’s to running a business that lights you up while scaling sustainably and reclaiming your time. 💕

Be amazing,

Danielle & Chanel

Flamingo FixRecovering people pleaser entrepreneurScaling service-based businessesBusiness growth without burnoutSetting and enforcing boundaries as a business ownerAvoiding burnout while scaling your businessLeadership tips for service-based entrepreneursBuilding sustainable business processesMastering client relationships and deliverablesClient boundariesOvercommitted entrepreneurSaying no to clientsManaging client expectationsAvoiding scope creepHow to say no in businessScaling a service-based businessSetting business boundariesEntrepreneur burnoutClient red flagsHigh-value clientsService-based business growthWork-life balance for entrepreneursProtecting your time as a business ownerFiltering bad clientsProfitable client relationshipsHow to set boundaries with demanding clientsSigns you’re overcommitted in businessHow to stop over-delivering to clientsHow to attract high-value clients and say no to the wrong onesWhy saying yes to every client is hurting your businessHow to scale your business without working more hours
blog author image

Chanel Robe

As a 2x burnout survivor & former people-pleaser, I am a speaker, author & passionate advocate for serving others while honoring yourself and God. I help business owners run profitable, impactful businesses & maintain client relationships without sacrificing personal boundaries or quality of life. On a regular day, you’ll find me traveling, belting out random songs, smiling contagiously, or lifting others up. https://gravatar.com/chanelrobie

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