As a full-time college student with a part-time job, extracurriculars, friends, family obligations and a million other things on my daily to-do list, life can get pretty overwhelming to say the least. Some days my head spins in circles wondering how I'm going to make it through the week, or even day.
It was halfway through this semester — as I was drowning in school work and events — when I hit a wall. It seemed like I was always on the go, from one thing to the next. Now, don't get me wrong, I love being busy. But I had reached my limit. I never stopped to breathe. I had the I-Can't-Say-No-To-Anything Syndrome. Every time somebody asked me to help them with something, join something, and take on a position in something, I always felt like I had to say yes. Most of the time, I wanted to do it. But I quickly learned that you can't do everything. My plate was so full it was about to fall and shatter to pieces, taking me down with it. My immune system was also failing, which never helps.
Naive and independent, I thought I could it all. And sometimes, I could. BUT (there's always a but), I noticed I was stretching myself so thin, I wasn't giving 100 percent in all my obligations. Because I was so exhausted and caught up in all my activities, I lacked in the areas that deserved more focus (like school). And finally, when I did have downtime to focus on studying or my family, I was always so exhausted and couldn't muster up any motivation to be productive. It was a reoccurring cycle that happened every week. I had over-scheduled myself this semester. I had said yes to too many things.
The key to avoid this is to find a balance. I now know how many leadership roles I can take on, how many events I can attend, how much time I need to study for a test and everything else in between.
So take time to evaluate yourself and understand your limits. It will do wonders! And don't ever be afraid to say no. There will always be another chance or opportunity down the road. Don't jeopardize your health, studies, relationships or sanity just to please somebody else or because you feel obligated. Know your limits so you can say yes to the things you know you can give your 100 percent in!
