It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of overcommitment.
All of us, at one point or another in our careers, have fallen into the trap of saying “yes” more often than we should.
However, as Israa Nasir highlights in a recent HBR article, “Why You’re Chronically Overcommitted,” it doesn’t make you more productive or valuable; it often leads to burnout, decreased work quality, and emotional distress.
So, why do we overcommit?
Desire for validation. We believe that the more we take on, the more valuable we will appear.
Fear of rejection and failure. Saying “no” can feel risky. Many worry that declining tasks will seem unhelpful or incapable.
Comparison with others. Seeing colleagues effortlessly handle heavy workloads can create unrealistic expectations. But other circumstances like more experience, better support, and different personal obligations often make things look easier from afar.
Overcommitment usually backfires as well. Taking on too much can lead to rushed, lower-quality work, resulting in criticism, not praise. It also increases stress, disrupts sleep, and contributes to emotional burnout.
How to stop overcommitting? Nasir recommends making small, intentional “micro-shifts”:
Assess your workload regularly. Take time each week to review your commitments. Are they aligned with your goals? Do you have white space in your schedule for unexpected tasks or deep work?
Create a decision delay buffer. Instead of saying “yes” immediately, practice responses like, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.” This gives you time to evaluate whether you have the capacity before committing.
Practice micro-mastery. Not all opportunities are worth taking. Instead of saying yes to everything, focus on excelling in one or two key areas that align with your goals.
Overcommitment is not a badge of honor, it’s a barrier to meaningful success.
In the end, the most successful people aren’t the ones who do everything—they’re the ones who do the most important things really well.
Have a great week-
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