Spreading Yourself Too Far: The Pitfalls of Overcommitment and How to Find Balance

Mar 14, 2024

Have you ever found yourself in a whirlwind of opportunities yet unable to fully embrace them? Many of us face this dilemma—we set ambitious goals and dream big, but when those dreams start materializing, we suddenly feel overwhelmed, like we’ve been stretched far.

This week’s Ask Susan came from Marliena. She asks  “Have you ever felt like everything you’ve asked for is showing up, but you’re letting it pass you by because you’ve spread yourself too far”

Thank you, Marliena, for the great question! Let’s explore it further.

Let me share a little story. 

Imagine you’ve been working tirelessly towards launching your own business. Suddenly, opportunities start knocking on your door – potential clients reach out, investors express interest, and it feels like everything is falling into place. However, instead of diving headfirst into these opportunities, you hesitate, unsure if you can handle more on your plate.

Perhaps you’ve been longing for deeper connections and more meaningful relationships. You’ve opened your heart to new experiences, and now, you’re surrounded by amazing people who inspire you. But instead of nurturing these relationships, you find yourself spreading yourself thin, trying to maintain superficial interactions with everyone.

Or maybe you’ve been yearning for balance and fulfillment in your daily life. You’ve intended to prioritize self-care, pursue your passions, and find joy in the little moments. Yet, when opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation present themselves, you’re too busy, too distracted to fully embrace them.

In each scenario, the problem isn’t that you’re not getting what you requested. It’s that you’re not fully embracing it because you’ve spread yourself too thin. You’re saying yes to everything and everyone, afraid to miss out on any opportunity. But in doing so, you’re diluting your energy and missing out on the depth and richness of the experiences right in front of you.

So, what’s the antidote to spreading yourself too thin? It’s embracing depth over width. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity in every aspect of your life – from relationships to opportunities to commitments.

Here are some questions to guide you along the way:

  1. What truly matters to me? Take a moment to reflect on your values, priorities, and goals. What brings you joy and fulfillment? What are you willing to prioritize in your life?
  2. Where am I spreading myself too thin? Identify areas of your life where you’re saying yes to too many things, whether it’s work projects, social commitments, or personal obligations.
  3. What am I afraid of missing out on? Explore the underlying fears and beliefs that drive you to say yes to everything. Are you afraid of disappointing others, missing opportunities, or not living up to expectations?
  4. What can I say no to? Give yourself permission to say no to anything that doesn’t align with your values or serve your highest good. Practice setting boundaries and prioritizing your own well-being.
  5. How can I go deeper instead of wider? Focus on nurturing meaningful connections, experiences, and commitments. Invest your time and energy in the things that truly matter, and let go of anything that doesn’t contribute to your growth and fulfillment.

By asking yourself these questions and making conscious choices to go deep instead of wide, you’ll find that you can fully embrace the opportunities and experiences that come your way. You’ll feel more present, engaged, and fulfilled in every aspect of your life.

So, the next time you feel like you’re letting your dreams pass you by because you’re too busy spreading yourself too thin, remember to go deep. Focus on what truly matters, and watch your life transform in ways you never thought possible.

And if you’d like to find out if you’re really spreading yourself too thin, pop into susanselfcheck.com  and find out for yourself.

I can’t wait to see what you discover!

“Let’s prioritize quality over quantity in every aspect of life – from relationships to opportunities to commitments. Join me in embracing this mindset shift towards a more fulfilling and intentional way of creating a life you love.”

-Susan Lazar Hart-

Have a wonderful week filled with love and gratitude! Here’s to living a life you love. Big hugs,

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