Ep. 30: Are You Overcommitted?

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April 9, 2024

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Have you ever felt like you’re juggling too many tasks and responsibilities, neglecting your own needs in the process?

You’re not alone. Many of us, especially working lawyer moms, face this daily challenge: overcommitment.

Similar to clutter overwhelming our physical space, overcommitment can overwhelm our schedules and mental bandwidth. Without proper safeguards and systems, we risk being trapped in a cycle of perpetual busyness.

In today’s post, I’ll share insights into my simple strategy (I use as a law firm owner, entrepreneur, and part-time homeschooling mom of two) for dialing back the overwhelm and regaining control over your time and energy.

STEP 1 – DISCONNECT

My step one in combating overcommitment is taking a timeout. Take a few hours off and give yourself a break, distancing yourself from your current reality. This can be as simple as going to your favorite coffee shop to read a fiction book or enjoying your favorite meal. Or you can opt for a pedicure with your favorite playlist – whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s in a more inspiring and romantic environment than your typical – car setting. By disconnecting from your current stress cycle and creating distance from your daily routines, you can reset your mind and gain better clarity.

STEP 2 – OBLIGATIONS LIST

This step involves listing out all our obligations on your plate – from non-negotiable tasks to social commitments. This will provide a comprehensive overview of where our time and energy are being spent. My recommendation is to start on Monday and list every single task, even small ones, that are on your to-do list. Then continue for the whole week. Alongside the list of tasks, also jot down how annoying each one is – this will be helpful in the next steps.

STEP 3 – ELIMINATE AND OUTSOURCE

Once you have the list, “ruthlessly” eliminate or outsource tasks wherever possible. This could mean delegating responsibilities to others, including family members, or using technology to streamline workflows. Remember, prioritizing self-care and delegating tasks is crucial for maintaining balance. Also, when considering “eliminating” tasks from your to-do list, keep in mind that there is a season for everything. Not doing something now doesn’t mean you won’t get to it later. So, note down which tasks to table to avoid FOMO (fear of missing out) during the exercise.

STEP 4 – REFINE YOUR ROUTINES

Finally, step four focuses on refining your routines and systems to alleviate overwhelm. Identify pain points in your daily actions and routines, then tweak them to optimize your efficiency. This way, you can create a more sustainable approach to managing your less enjoyable commitments. Whether it’s implementing family cleanup sessions or rewarding yourself for completing mundane or your least favorite business tasks, small tweaks can make a significant difference in our overall well-being.

In a world filled with constant demands and distractions, mastering overcommitment is essential for thriving rather than merely surviving. By taking proactive steps to carve out time for ourselves, assess our obligations, delete or delegate what’s necessary, and refine our routines, we can reclaim control over our time and energy.

Remember, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what truly matters most to us.

PS: If you’re struggling with overcommitment and seeking support from like-minded individuals, join our free monthly group call “COFFEE CHAT” for female lawyers navigating work-life balance challenges. It’s a space where you can share experiences, gain valuable insights, and receive support from a supportive community.

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