Don’t Overcommit
It’s easy to commit to more than you can reasonably handle in your job. Whether it’s due to job requests, or your own inner expectation to continuously be productive and “do your best,” every once in a while you may find yourself stretching too far and overcommitting in your job.
Most often you can push through and get it done just in time. But be careful. Overcommitting can lead to longer working hours, which in the long term can be detrimental to your mental, physical, and emotional health. And if the task you have taken on is too big or too complicated, you may end up not meeting the expectations of either your boss or your team members.
The key is to be realistic when it comes to the workload you can handle. Don’t take on more than what you are capable of. Here are some tips on how to keep from overcommitting in your job:
1. Evaluate Your Work Load
Start by making a list of all the projects and tasks that you are involved in at the moment. Then, evaluate if they are worth pursuing and how much time you are able to commit to them. Be honest with yourself: do you have the resources and the skills necessary to finish a job? Taking on a task that’s beyond your capabilities is a sure-fire way to end up in a tight spot.
2. Create a Priority List
Take a look at the tasks you have chosen and rank them in terms of importance and difficulty. Make sure more urgent and difficult tasks are moved towards the top of your list so you can attend to them quickly and efficiently. At the same time, be sure to leave enough time for yourself to stay on top of day-to-day tasks that may not seem as important but still you need to finish.
3. Set Realistic Deadlines
You should be mindful of the amount of time you give yourself to complete tasks. If a project or task is large or complex, make sure you factor in additional time for research and any unexpected delays that may arise. Once you have estimated the time you need for a task, add an extra buffer in case something doesn’t go your way.
4. Take Breaks
It’s important to stay on track with your work, but it’s just as important to give yourself time to relax and renew your focus. Step away from your work from time to time to clear your thoughts, take a walk, or have a cup of tea. Short breaks give your mind time to reset, allowing you to return to your work with a more focused and creative mindset.
5. Learn how to Say No
Take ownership of the type and amount of work that you can do. Not all requests or tasks should be accepted, and sometimes saying “no” is the best option, even when it comes at the cost of appearing not so productive.
6. Outsource Work
A great way to keep yourself from overcommitting is to outsource work whenever possible. If a task is simple or mundane, it may be more cost effective and efficient to outsource it to an external company or freelancer. This allows you to focus on the more important and challenging tasks.
7. Take Feedback from Your Colleagues
Don’t forget to talk to your colleagues about their workload and daily duties. They may have great advice about effectively managing your time and tasks. They can also give you a better perspective of how your team works, which can help you stay in step with your co-workers and better understand their working patterns.
8. Get Professional Help
If overcommitting is a common problem for you, it may be a good idea to work with a professional or a coach. They can help you better manage your time and set realistic expectations.
9. Celebrate Small Achievements
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Acknowledge small successes and take a moment to celebrate when a task is accomplished. Even the smallest progress can be reassuring if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed.
10. Talk to Your Boss
If all else fails, it’s never a bad idea to talk to your boss or supervisor. He or she may be able to give you additional resources or help and will likely appreciate your transparency and proactive approach.
Don’t overcommit yourself and remember that your health and wellbeing come first. Despite what society and popular culture may dictate, it’s okay to do less, and it’s okay to say no. Set realistic expectations, focus on important tasks, and manage your time and resources wisely.
