Feeling Over Committed? Four Ways to Simplify Your Life

We’ve all been there, right? Running around while juggling many balls in the air and barely keeping up, and it hits you – I need to simplify my life! The start of a new school year is always very hectic for me, to the point where sometimes it feels nearly maniacal.  Not only are there the preparations involved for the children regarding clothing and school supplies, but there is always plenty of paperwork to be done, filing, photocopying or scanning, and emailing.

These same things also need to be done for myself, because not only is it the start of a new grade for the children, but this is the time of year where as a yoga and dance instructor, all of my classes begin again. New faces, new programs, advertising, designing, answering questions, and signing papers. Not to mention, all of the blogging upkeep and writing of articles.

Of course these are all such rich experiences, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  However, between work, volunteering, hobbies, sports and leisure, it is easy to book too much in and be constantly on the go without a moment to ourselves.  Sometimes we find that we have bitten off more than we can chew and become completely overwhelmed.

True, it may be beneficial to engage in various commitments and responsibilities throughout our lives. However, if we constantly find ourselves buried in these obligations without sufficient time to take care of ourselves, it can quickly become overwhelming. As Bilbo Baggins, the beloved character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” once said, “I am beginning to feel like butter spread over too much bread.”

This quote, although spoken by a fictional hobbit, resonates with many of us in our own lives.

It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of balance and self-care. Just like butter spread too thinly loses its rich flavor and texture, we too can lose our vitality and joy when stretched too thin.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the demands of work, family, social obligations, and personal aspirations. Simplify your life by carving out time for rest, relaxation, and self-reflection. Neglecting our own well-being can have negative consequences on our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Finding a sense of balance is essential. It can involve setting boundaries, saying “no” when necessary, and prioritizing self-care. Taking time for activities that bring us joy and fulfillment can help replenish our energy and prevent burnout.

Engaging in self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming.

It can be as simple as enjoying a cup of tea, going for a walk in nature, practicing mindfulness, or spending quality time with loved ones. It’s about recognizing and honoring our own needs and making them a priority.

So, let’s take Bilbo Baggins’ wise words to heart and ensure that we don’t spread ourselves too thin like butter on too much bread. Let’s find the balance that allows us to thrive, both in our commitments and in taking care of ourselves. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s a vital ingredient for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

How do you cut back when you realize you have gotten caught up in too fast of a pace, and need a chance to put the brakes on and relax?  

These are difficult for me to remember to implement at times, but here are a few ideas to simplify your life:

Clarify Your Priorities

Just because something is good, doesn’t mean it is good for you.  You may be using your time to help others, like volunteering with a charity or on the parents’ board at your children’s school.  But if it is cutting back on much-needed family time, or interfering with your relationships, perhaps now is not the best time to be involved.

No matter how much good your commitment is contributing to a cause you are passionate about, it is essential to assess whether it currently holds the top spot on your priority list. Evaluating your commitments allows you to allocate your time and energy effectively. If your current commitment is not at the forefront of your priorities, it may be beneficial to find a way to scale back or remove it temporarily, enabling you to focus your efforts on other pressing matters.

When we take on too many commitments simultaneously, our efficiency and effectiveness can suffer.

It is crucial to recognize that although your commitment is valuable and dear to your heart, there may be situations or responsibilities that require your immediate attention. By stepping back or temporarily setting aside your commitment, you create space to tackle other important tasks and obligations that demand your focus and energy.

Remember, this does not mean abandoning your commitment entirely. Instead, it is a strategic decision to revisit it at a more opportune time. Prioritizing and managing commitments allows you to be more intentional about how you allocate your limited resources, be it time, energy, or emotional capacity. By assessing your priorities and making informed decisions, you can ensure that you are effectively using your resources to address the most pressing demands in your life.

When you have successfully navigated the immediate demands and responsibilities that have taken precedence, you can reevaluate your commitment and determine when and how you can reintegrate it into your schedule.

This approach ensures that you can give your commitment the attention it deserves without neglecting other vital aspects of your life.

Remember, life is dynamic, and priorities shift according to circumstances. It is not only acceptable but also wise to adapt and adjust your commitments accordingly. By doing so, you are better equipped to manage your time, energy, and commitments, allowing you to make meaningful contributions to the causes you care about while also fulfilling your other responsibilities.

Follow Your Intuition

Intuition is a powerful tool that can guide us in making decisions and navigating through life. It is that inner voice or gut feeling that often knows what is best for us, even when our logical mind may be uncertain. By honing and valuing our intuition, we can tap into a deeper wisdom that resides within us.

To truly value our own intuition, it is important to take the time to pause and listen to it. In the busyness of our daily lives, it can be easy to ignore or dismiss our intuition. However, by creating moments of stillness and reflection, we can tune in to that intuitive guidance.

Taking a stand for our intuition means trusting ourselves and having the courage to follow through on the insights we receive. Sometimes, this may mean going against the opinions or expectations of others. However, when we honor our inner knowing, we align ourselves with our true desires and purpose.

One practical way to tap into our intuition is by paying attention to how we feel when certain opportunities or projects are presented to us.

Our intuition often communicates through our emotions. If a project or opportunity feels expansive, exciting, and aligned with our values, it may be a sign that it is a good fit for us. On the other hand, if it feels constricting, draining, or out of alignment, it may be an indication that it is not the right path for us.

By strengthening our intuition and learning to trust it, we gain a valuable tool for decision-making and living a more authentic life. So, take the time to cultivate a relationship with your intuition, listen to its whispers, and dare to follow its guidance, knowing that it is leading you towards your highest good.

When someone has asked you to be involved in their cause, are you feeling a twinge of excitement or slight panic?  Pay very close attention, and honor yourself enough to know, that you know.  Going with your intuition can serve you well, and simplify your life by keeping you from taking on projects that become a constant source of stress to you. See my post, 8 Tips to Help Strengthen Your Intuition.

Meet Halfway and Delegate More

It is so very difficult to turn down anything that we love.  When great opportunities present themselves, it is second nature to want to scoop them all up and take them all on.  I mean, who knows if this chance will come around again, right?  

Believe me, I know this thought pattern well!  Simplify, and trust that any amazing opportunities that you are extremely passionate about have a very high chance of coming around again.

If you have been asked to be involved in something you fully believe in but don’t have time for, it can be challenging to find a solution that allows you to honor your commitments while still prioritizing your own schedule. One way to find compromise is by exploring options for sharing the workload. Consider reaching out to one or more individuals who may be interested and capable of assisting with the task. By splitting the job, you can alleviate some of the time constraints and ensure that the project receives the attention it deserves.

Another possibility is to evaluate whether the task can be postponed until your schedule becomes more flexible.

While it’s essential to balance your commitments, it’s also important to recognize that sometimes certain opportunities have limited time frames. If delaying the project is not a viable option, you could explore the possibility of outsourcing certain aspects of the work or seeking additional resources to help lighten the load. This way, you can still contribute to something you believe in without overwhelming yourself with an unmanageable workload.

Managing commitments effectively can be a lifelong skill, and learning the art of delegation is a valuable tool in achieving this balance. Delegation allows you to distribute tasks to others who have the necessary skills and capacity to assist, relieving some of the pressure from your own plate. By entrusting others with certain responsibilities, you not only free up time for yourself but also empower others to contribute and grow through their involvement.

Remember, compromising doesn’t mean sacrificing your beliefs or the value you place on a particular opportunity.

It’s about finding creative solutions that allow you to honor your commitments without compromising your well-being or the quality of your contributions. So, as you navigate the intricacies of balancing time and commitments, embrace the art of compromise and delegation as powerful allies on your path to success.

Train Yourself to Simplify Your Life by Saying ‘No’ – Even When You Want to Say Yes!

Although you may have many passions, and believe in many causes, there is only a certain amount of time in each day. Bummer.  I know. If you find yourself leaping enthusiastically into role after role that seems perfectly cut out for you, try to slow down.  

Start by identifying the activities and tasks that ignite a passionate flame within your soul. These are the things that excite you and give you a deep sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s pursuing a creative endeavor, engaging in a favorite hobby, or working towards a personal goal, make sure to prioritize these activities. By dedicating time and energy to what truly inspires you, you’ll feel reenergized and motivated.

Additionally, pay attention to the activities that give you goosebumps—the ones that give you a sense of excitement, anticipation, or even nervousness. These experiences often indicate something meaningful to explore or try. They might involve stepping out of your comfort zone, taking calculated risks, or embracing new opportunities. By embracing these moments that make your heart leap, you can uncover hidden passions and discover new realms of personal growth.

However, it’s equally crucial to recognize that not every task or obligation deserves your attention.

With limited time and energy, it’s essential to filter out the unnecessary and non-essential. Take the time to evaluate your commitments and responsibilities, and be selective about what you choose to take on. By consciously cutting out the rest, you create space for the things that truly matter to you.

Remember, it’s okay to say no and set boundaries. Prioritizing your well-being and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. By focusing on what truly resonates with your soul, you’ll be able to approach each task with enthusiasm and dedication.

So, take a moment to reflect on what sets your soul on fire and gives you goosebumps! Embrace those things, cut out the rest, and create a life that is filled with passion, purpose, and fulfillment.

Too often, we feel that we must become a superhero of sorts and commit ourselves to a breaking point.  Being over-committed doesn’t benefit anyone, after all is said and done.  We will cause more stress to ourselves than necessary, and we will be unable to give any of our projects our full attention or our best efforts.  

Choose your priorities and make a decision to be involved only in a few choice activities, instead of over-committing yourself. Do this, so that you don’t start to feel like too little butter! And thank you, Bilbo, for your great wisdom.