What are the 3 O’s?
Overbooked
Overextended
Overcommitted
Do you ever feel as if you are overbooked, overextended, and/or overcommitted?
Hit the pause button and look at your calendar.
OVERBOOKED:
Overbooked is when every hour of your day is scheduled. By doing this scheduling, you don’t allow time for unexpected issues.
Life is filled with obstacles. Rarely do we have a day which goes perfectly as planned.
We have hot water heaters that leak.
We have flat tires.
We have sick children.
We have sick pets.
If your schedule is overbooked when these unplanned incidents happen, your day goes spiraling. This stress may cause you to behave in a way that you don’t want to – you may become aggressive or you may have a meltdown.
Give yourself room to breathe by not scheduling every hour of your day. In between meetings or obligations, give yourself at least 30 minutes. In this way, if something unplanned happens, you can easily adjust your day.
OVEREXTENED:
Overextended is not knowing your limits. We assume we have superhuman powers and can do everything. Unfortunately, that’s not reality.
Pay attention to the messages your body sends you. Some physical issues such as tension headaches and digestive issues may be caused by stress.
If you want to be around for the long run, pay attention to your body and begin defining your limits. You may find doing so will help you see things clearer and make better decisions.
OVERCOMMITTED:
Overcommitted is a result of not knowing when to say “no”. Practice saying it every day in the mirror until you have comfort with this word.
Some people overcommit because they don’t want to miss an opportunity. In reality when you’re overcommitted, you may miss opportunities because you’re so busy. You’re in the forest and can’t see the light.
Some people overcommit because they don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. In reality, will you really be present or will you begrudge your decision. If a relationship is of value, then be honest with the other person. Instead of “no” suggest an alternative time.
When you’re struggling with being overbooked, overextended, and/or overcommitted, stop and ask yourself, “what is my priority?” By defining what you really want, it’ll be easier to modify your schedule. Many times, we wait for a health issue to make a change. Be proactive and make changes now.
Stay PEF (positive, enthused, focused) and make 2017 your best year ever!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”