By Susan Guillory
Look, I understand the mindset of a Type-A-Go-Getter entrepreneur who believes they can handle any number of projects and still deliver excellent results. However, after over a decade of running my own company, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: sometimes I am wrong.
We often struggle to say no to new work because it means more money and opportunities for long-term client growth. But taking on too much can lead to stress, anxiety, and subpar work. If you find yourself answering “yes” to the following questions, you may have overcommitted and need to step back and recalibrate.
1. Does Your Workload Keep You Up at Night?
Recently, I found myself unable to take my daily afternoon nap due to thinking about this article and other tasks I need to complete. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to lose sleep over their businesses, but if it’s causing exhaustion, it may be a sign of overcommitment.
2. Are Your Customers Complaining?
If your clients are starting to raise concerns about the quality of your work, it’s a red flag. Overcommitting can lead to a decline in performance, putting your client relationships at risk.
3. Have Your Friends and Family Forgotten Your Face?
When work consumes your life, your personal relationships may suffer. If your loved ones are noticing that you’re always working, it’s time to reassess your workload.
To address overcommitment, start by saying no to projects that don’t excite you. Focus on the work that matters most to you. Consider outsourcing tasks that you don’t enjoy to lighten your load and improve your overall performance.
Balancing your workload is essential for maintaining productivity and quality in your work.
