A Lesson in Overcommitting

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Every holiday season, I find myself saying “yes” to every invitation, favor, and event that comes my way. It feels harmless in the moment—I glance at my calendar, see an open slot, and agree to the next thing. What I forget to do is check my whole schedule.

Suddenly, I’m booked every single night of the week, with no time for self-care or even to breathe. By the time I realize it, I’m completely overwhelmed, wondering how I let myself get here. I’ve come to understand that saying “yes” to everything doesn’t mean I’m thriving; it often means I’m neglecting myself.

Tips to Break the Cycle

Here’s how I’ve learned to break the pattern and give myself the space I need during the holidays:

1. Write It All Down

Keep everything on one calendar—work events, personal commitments, and even downtime. Seeing your entire week or month at a glance helps you understand how much you’re taking on and how much free time you realistically have.

Pro Tip: Block out time for self-care, whether it’s a quiet night at home, a bubble bath, or simply sitting down with a book. Treat these moments as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

2. Pause Before You Commit

It’s so easy to say “yes” in the moment, but now I make it a habit to pause. My go-to response is: “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.” This gives me the chance to see the bigger picture before I add anything else to my plate.

3. Know Your Limits

Through trial and error, I’ve learned what my personal capacity looks like. If I overbook myself, I feel drained and cranky, and it’s hard to enjoy the things I committed to. So now, I decide ahead of time how many commitments I can handle in a week. Whether it’s three events or five, I stick to that limit, knowing that preserving my energy makes me a better version of myself.

4. Celebrate Doing Less

I’ve learned to embrace the joy of doing less. For me, it’s about focusing on quality over quantity—spending meaningful time with loved ones rather than rushing from one thing to the next. The holidays aren’t about cramming it all in; they’re about cherishing what matters most.

This holiday season, let’s make a pact: no more overcommitting. Give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and prioritize what truly matters. When you organize your commitments, honor your limits, and embrace the joy of saying no, you’ll find yourself feeling more balanced, confident, and present for the moments that matter.

You are enough, just as you are.

Wishing you a beautifully confident and balanced holiday season!