Have you ever found yourself constantly racing from one commitment to the next, wondering how your schedule got so tightly packed? Nodding along to invitations out of FOMO or a misplaced sense of obligation? Watching helplessly as your calendar morphs into a stressful game of Tetris? Hi, I’m a recovering overcommitter. And I’m here to share the surprising solution I discovered:
Overcommitting isn’t a badge of busyness. It’s a highway to burnout.
How to stop overcommitting your time
Overcommitting is a common trap many of us fall into. We optimistically say yes to future plans, only to regret it when the day arrives. By being more selective with how you spend your time, you create space for what truly matters. Here are some practical tips to stop overloading your schedule:
The “Right Now” test
When considering taking on a new commitment, ask yourself:
If asked to do this right now, would I say yes?
This eliminates our tendency to overestimate our future free time. If it’s not a priority now, it likely won’t be later. Base decisions on present realities, not imagined future capacity.
The power of no
Saying no can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for avoiding overcommitment. Remember that you’re saying no to most things when you say yes to something. Limit your yeses to only what’s truly important and fulfilling. Don’t be afraid to decline invitations that don’t excite you.
Leave space for breathing
Resist the urge to pack your calendar to the brim. Leave open spaces for rest, reflection and spontaneity. Things always take longer than anticipated, so build in buffers. You’ll be grateful for pockets of unscheduled time when life gets hectic.
Warning! Beware of false urgency
Not everything that seems pressing deserves your immediate attention. Discern between true urgencies and manufactured “emergencies” driven by others’ poor planning. Don’t get swept up in other people’s last-minute rushes. Protect your well-being and boundaries.
Break free from excess obligations by applying the “Right Now” test, flexing your “no” muscle, and defending your calendar against the onslaught of inessential demands. Rediscover the joy of unscheduled moments, the satisfaction of fully engaged work, and the peace of mind that comes from investing your time with intention.
The choice is yours. Will you continue to drown in a sea of yeses, or will you choose the clarity of strategic noes?
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