About a month ago, I realized that once again, I had spread my butter to thin… ya know, when you’ve overcommitted yourself? I am notorious for saying yes to too many things. These opportunities are normally all great and really exciting things, and I have a really hard time of saying no. I think it’s part of my “I need to be busy” problem, but it’s also that each item is new and unique. I don’t want to miss out.

When I had overcommitted myself in the past, it was a week or two that I was crammed with to-do items. Last fall, it was an entire month {ehmm… October}. This time, it is April, May and partially June. Yep. Two and a half months that I have booked myself to the brim. It’s going to full of great moments, but it’s going to be stressful.

Now, don’t get me wrong, good work effort is a great quality to have. I’m proud that I’m able to get a lot done in a little amount of time. I’m excellent and multitasking and managing. You see, the problem when I overbook myself isn’t that my projects are incomplete or lack quality. No, the problem is that I start to run ragged. I make sure everything gets done, but I seldom care for myself. I have a tendency to make sure everything is done on the big to-do list before I even think about tackling my personal, self-care to-do list. This leaves me literally sick, tired, and ragged.

All of this to say, know your limits. If you’re like me and you don’t know your limits, set limits. Set healthy boundaries to follow and then keep to them. Make yourself a priority. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to relax. It’s okay to slow down.

Here’s how I’m trying to keep to this mindset:

1. Set actual boundaries

   I’m working on this for the rest of the year. I’m setting aside time to relax and to take time to be healthy.

2. Find someone to keep you accountable

   I’ve found without this step, it’s extremely difficult to follow through with step one.

3. Remember what your goal is

   It can be hard to say “no” to great opportunities, I get it! However, if you remember your main focus {i.e. take care of yourself, reduce stress & anxiety, more family time, etc.} it can make saying “no” easier.

While I certainly haven’t mastered any of this yet, I will continue to repeat it in my head until I do. Here’s hoping you catch on to to this motto easier than I am!

xoxo,