Push back without sounding difficult

Provided you offer an alternative, it’s unlikely to lead to conflict. Try saying:

👉 “I’ll need to deprioritise something – what’s most important?”
👉 “Great idea – can we chat about how to make that work?”
👉 “I don’t have capacity this week – I can look at it next week?”

Pushing back doesn’t mean shutting things down. It can open up a productive conversation.

Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. 

Just do it in a way that keeps the conversation going.