entry 024 | things i’ve learned from accidentally overcommitting myself 💭

well well well,

so, confession time: i have this superpower (or maybe it’s a weakness) - i can say yes to everything. like, every opportunity that comes my way feels exciting, shiny, and full of potential. join this? yes. lead that? absolutely. add another project? why not...

…until i’m sitting at my desk at 11 pm, staring at an endless to-do list, and realizing i’ve trapped myself. oops.

overcommitting has been one of my biggest struggles, but also one of my biggest teachers. here’s what i’ve learned from juggling way too much at once:

1. pausing before i say “yes” saves me later

sometimes i just need to breathe before i agree to something. even thirty seconds of “let me think about it” has saved me from the regret spiral. turns out, my future self really appreciates when i protect her energy.

2. “no” doesn’t make me mean

saying no used to feel like i was letting someone down. but now i see it’s actually about protecting what matters most. when i say no, i’m saying yes to myself, to rest, and to the commitments i’ve already made.

3. burnout is sneaky

burnout doesn’t always show up with flashing red signs - it creeps in. one day you’re fine, and the next you’re running on caffeine and panic. i’ve learned the hard way that rest isn’t optional. it’s the fuel that keeps everything else running.

4. busy ≠ successful

for so long, i equated busyness with worth. like, the more packed my schedule, the more important i must be. but actually, success looks a lot more like intentionality. doing less, but with more heart.

5. overcommitting reveals what i actually value

when i overstuff my calendar, i notice which things i’ll drop first and which i’ll cling to no matter what. those choices have shown me what truly matters to me. it’s like overcommitting accidentally became a self-discovery tool.

i still slip into the “yes to everything” trap sometimes, but now i’m quicker to notice the signs. i’m learning that balance isn’t about having the perfect schedule - it’s about listening to myself and choosing what aligns with my priorities.

so if you’re reading this and you’ve also accidentally buried yourself in commitments - hi, you’re not alone. maybe this is your reminder that it’s okay to slow down, to say no, and to leave some space just for you.