I don’t know about you, but I feel like I could curl up and go to sleep just thinking about all of that. I know exactly how you all feel I do it to myself all the time. Over-committing is an enormous problem in our society. I am here to share with you how it can be hurting you financially.

If this all sounds so familiar to you, please read the rest of this article carefully. When you over-commit yourself at:

• Work – If you are constantly saying yes to anything that comes across your desk, the important stuff may not get the attention it deserves. It may end up costing you a raise or a promotion because you are not able to give your best to the items that need it. Solution: Learn to say “no” when it is appropriate and delegate when you can. You will be amazed at how much more effective you are.
• Running your own business – I am notorious for wanting to help just about everyone out, sometimes even to my own detriment. If you run your own business and you say yes to any potential client that comes through your door, you could be pulling your hair out trying to please the wrong people. Solution: Through the last five years I have been running my business, I have learned when to listen to my heart and advise potential clients up front when I don’t think we will be a good fit. I then kindly refer them on to other professionals that they may have a better fit with. This way, you open more space for those that are a better fit, you are happier, they are happier. Truly a win-win all around.
• Family – This encompasses anything to do with kids, spouse, parents, grandparents, etc. If you have the time and energy to help coach your child’s sports team, by all means do it. However, if you are already overwhelmed with everything you have on your plate…solution: it is okay to say “no”. I promise, your child will understand…someday. I know you want to be there for them and support them, but sometimes you have to find other ways. Just being at their games means the world to them. It is better for them to have you there and happy, then coaching and stressed out.
• School – This is along the same lines as family. Watch your stress level, if you start to get stressed out trying to fit it all in. Solution: Talk to your kids and teachers to see what you can do to make it all work without you ending up pulling your hair out.

All of this can end up costing you money just by the level of stress you have. If you are at work freaking out about how you are going to get to practice in time to coach or have to keep taking time off of work to help out in the classroom and your boss is getting upset, that can be very bad for you and your family financially.

Take some time to go through all you have committed yourself to and prioritize. Once you start to feel overwhelmed, start notifying the affected parties it is not going work for you.

Trust me, your family and coworkers will thank you for it.