Director of this, chairman of that, not to mention 17.5 credits and a very sad attempt at a social life. When you can’t say no because of your fear of disappointing others, you end up disappointing the only person that matters: yourself. At least that’s what happened to me.
I am notorious for biting off more than I can chew. It stems from a multitude of reasons, most of them due to the fact that I want to help as many people as I possibly can. Yet, somehow, I always end up with the short end of the stick.
I always tell myself at the beginning of the semester that I’m not going to overcommit, I’m going to take the semester for myself and work on my betterment. Then I hear about this club, my sorority asks me to take on a position, and next thing I know I’m involved in 10 different things that I didn’t even plan for.
I continue, to this day, to realize that it’s not healthy to do this; however, I just cannot say no. I am not naïve, though, as I understand the root of the problem- the amount of opportunities we have as college students are something that I can’t just let go unseen. I want to do everything, have no regrets, and take advantage of all Michigan has to offer to me while I’m here.
To the other students who overcommit, remember what I learned last semester… It’s okay to be involved in everything, but take time for yourself. There’s nothing worse than putting all your strength and effort into other aspects of your life and forget about you.
Through my own experiences, I have learned I am the happiest when I budget time for me. So next time you have 30 minutes between meeting with your project group and the exec board that you’re on, read a book, take a nap, or watch some Netflix. You’re the only one that matters.
Photo courtesy of workingwomanreport.com.