5 Strategies to Avoid the Overcommitment Trap This School Year

With the new school year well underway, you might feel like you have it all under control. Your schedules are organized and planned but you feel that there are still better ways to use your time, or perhaps you feel like you are missing out on some things that you should be partaking in. 

"As we start mapping out our plans for the upcoming fall season, it’s easy for our schedules to start filling up—and fast. It can be tempting to try to fit everything in and agree to everything that comes our way. We say yes to volunteer work, yes to family activities, and yes to more work and responsibilities. 

But while there’s nothing wrong with raising your hand and volunteering for new and exciting opportunities, it’s important that we avoid falling into the overcommitment trap.'

'Communications coach Sue Johnston calls this the disease to please. “Lots of us are people-pleasers by nature,” says Johnston. We hate to turn down offers, invitations, and yes, requests for our time. But while there could be many factors driving this need to please, whether that’s a desire to avoid confrontation or to avoid disappointing others, it’s important to remember that our time is important and that we should guard it well.'

'It’s no secret that overcommitment can be a big source of stress! Packing our schedules full to the brim leaves little time for anything else, causes plenty of stress and pressure, and can lead to tremendous frustration. It’s also hard to find a work-life balance when we’re constantly rushing from one activity to the next.'

'But while overcommitting is something that can lead to burnout and disappointment, the good news is that your schedule is something that you have control over. Managing your time and being able to say no is essential—for your peace of mind and your ability to find a work-life balance (daydesigner.com)."

So what can you do about it? Thanks to our friends at Day Designer, here are some strategies that can help you to avoid over-committing this year.

1. Identify Your Priorities

2. Set Boundaries

3. Schedule in Downtime

4. Create a “Someday” List

5. Learn to Say "No"

To read further about each one of these things, visit the original article link here.  To let MLE help take a few business tasks off your schedule, contact us today at: www.mythiclanding.com!