Breaking Free from Overcommitment

Good morning,

Have you ever felt like your to-do list is a never-ending marathon? You say yes to every request, take on every new initiative, and somehow, despite working late nights and weekends, you still feel like you’re falling behind. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

This week, I’m sharing insights from an Harvard Business Review article by Israa Nasir, Why You’re Chronically Overcommitted. It’s a must-read for professionals navigating the modern workplace, where the pressure to constantly perform can be overwhelming.

Let’s dive into why we overcommit, what it costs us, and how to break free from the cycle.

The Hidden Cost of Saying “Yes” Too Often

At first glance, overcommitment seems like a sign of ambition and dedication. But in reality, it often leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and lower-quality work.

Nasir shares her own experience of taking on too much early in her career—believing it would prove her value. Instead, it led to exhaustion and a harsh lesson: doing more doesn’t always mean being better.

Many professionals, especially early in their careers, feel compelled to overcommit due to three emotional drivers:

The Need for Validation – Seeking recognition from managers and colleagues often pushes us to take on too much, fearing that saying no signals incompetence.
Fear of Rejection or Failure – Avoiding disappointment leads us to accept tasks we can’t handle, convinced that declining will damage our reputation.
Comparison with Others – Seeing colleagues juggle heavy workloads makes us feel inadequate, even though we don’t know their full circumstances (e.g., their level of experience, support systems, or resources).

These pressures make overcommitment feel like an obligation rather than a choice.

Signs You’re Overcommitted

How do you know if you’re caught in the cycle? Here are some red flags:

Saying “yes” without checking your schedule
Prioritizing urgent tasks over important ones
Working late or on weekends just to “catch up”
Feeling anxious or resentful when asked for help
Guilt when taking a break
Second-guessing decisions because you’re stretched too thin

If you recognize these patterns, it’s time for a shift.

The Path to Sustainable Success

Breaking free from overcommitment doesn’t mean slacking off—it means focusing on what actually matters. Here are five strategies to reclaim your time and energy.

1. Assess Your Workload Weekly

Block out time to review your current commitments and upcoming deadlines. Does your calendar have space for deep work? If not, it’s time to reassess priorities.

2. Conduct Regular Emotional Check-Ins

Ask yourself:

How do I feel about my current workload?
Am I excited about my work or feeling overwhelmed?
Which tasks energize me, and which ones drain me?

These reflections help you make intentional decisions about what to take on.

3. Use Preemptive Communication

Instead of waiting until you’re drowning in work, proactively discuss priorities with your manager. For example:
"I’m focused on [Project A] and [Project B] this week. If another task comes up, can we shift priorities?"

This signals responsibility while setting boundaries.

4. Create a “Decision Delay Buffer”

Instead of saying “yes” immediately, respond with:
"Let me check my schedule and get back to you."

This simple pause allows you to make a thoughtful choice instead of a reactive one.

5. Practice “Micro-Mastery”

Rather than scattering your efforts across too many tasks, focus on excelling in one or two areas that align with your long-term goals. Before committing to new responsibilities, ask:

Does this help build a skill I want?
Will this impact my ability to perform in other areas?
Does this opportunity provide real growth?

If the answer is no, it’s okay to pass.

The Power of Letting Go

One of the most profound takeaways from Nasir’s article is this: not every opportunity is meant for you.

Success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things well. Overcommitment leads to diminishing returns, while focus and strategic decision-making lead to long-term growth.

So this week, reflect on where you can say no to make space for something that truly matters.

Read the full article here: Read

Until next week, stay focused and intentional.

Best,
Werner Mouton, CGMA

Monday Insights #6: Breaking Free from Overcommitment