Breaking Free from Overcommitment

Have you ever volunteered to lead a project or take on a task, only to find yourself later wondering, “Why did I agree to that?”

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Monday 8am

If this sounds familiar, you might be struggling with chronic overcommitment. We often agree to attend conferences we’re only somewhat interested in; accept additional meetings we know we don’t have time for and volunteer for projects that won’t make a real impact. In the moment, our instinct is to say “yes,” but when the day arrives, we regret our packed schedules.

Social psychologists have explored why we often overestimate our ability to handle future commitments. One key factor is temporal discounting, where we perceive future tasks as easier to manage than they truly are in the present. Additionally, the strong desire to please others can push us to say “yes” to more than we can realistically handle.

Taking on more than we can manage leads to emotional exhaustion. With limited hours in the day, it’s simply impossible to do everything, and overcommitting can quickly drain our energy.

To avoid overcommitment, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of our own limits and abilities. We often imagine ourselves as invincible superhumans – someone who works late into the night, attends every networking event and takes on every new project without hesitation.

But we can’t sustain that level of energy and involvement constantly. The good news is, with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can steer clear of the “why did I agree to this?” feeling and set more manageable boundaries.

Give Yourself Breathing Room

Do you often find yourself scheduling back-to-back appointments or tasks, leaving no time to catch your breath or prepare for the next thing? This constant rush can lead to burnout and stress, as there’s little room for unexpected delays or transitions between activities. To combat this, start incorporating buffers into your calendar – gaps of time between commitments that allow for a smooth transition, rest, or any unforeseen hiccups.

Weigh the Benefits

When deciding how to spend your time, it’s essential to weigh the cost versus the potential payoff. Some commitments may require extra effort or cause temporary inconvenience, but they can still offer significant value in the long run. For example, attending a conference or networking event, even when it means sacrificing a weekend or taking time away from other tasks, could lead to valuable connections, career opportunities, or personal growth that outweigh the immediate discomfort.

Make No a Positive

Prioritising our time and energy often requires making tough choices about where to invest ourselves. By removing one task or commitment from our list, we create space to fully engage in something else that aligns more closely with our values or goals. For instance, declining a non-essential meeting might free up valuable hours to work on a project that’s critical to your career growth. Saying no doesn’t always mean missing out – it’s about creating room for what truly matters.

Ultimately, learning to say “no” and setting boundaries is an essential skill that allows you to protect your time, energy and well-being. By recognising your limits and prioritising what truly matters, you can avoid the trap of overcommitment and focus on the commitments that bring you the most value.