How to Overcome Over Commitment
May 03, 2025
Have you ever felt like you’ve taken on too much and ended up feeling like you aren’t doing well at anything? Well, you’re not alone. Today, I want to share some solid tips that can help you manage your time better so you can knock out them goals and feel good about yourself.
Understanding Focus Fuel
First, let's talk about a little idea I like Ive been tinkering with "Focus Fuel." Think of it like the energy you need each day to get things done. Just like a car needs gas, we need focus fuel to think, work, and solve problems. But this fuel is limited. Like I said on the Live Stream “I have decided I have a finite amount, a daily amount of focus fuel,”. This means we need to spend it wisely on the things that really matter to us.
Three Main Things That Burn Focus Fuel
- Decisions – Every choice we make uses a bit of focus fuel. Big decisions, like what project to start, or even smaller ones, like what to have for breakfast, all take a toll. Ask yourself “What is 1 decision I can make that will eliminate dozens of decisions in the future” Simplifying choices saves precious fuel.
- Pressure – Sometimes we feel pressured by time or commitments, which also drains our energy. Pressure is okay if it motivates you, but too much can be overwhelming. Remember, “Pressure is not the same as stress. It's about time and getting things done.” It’s important to find ways to manage or minimize this pressure.
- Disappointment – This is when things don’t go as planned, and we feel let down. I've experienced this and it feels like self-betrayal. It’s okay to aim high, but give yourself grace when things don’t work out perfectly.
Any task or commitment that has a high volume of decisions, pressure, and disappointment are things to consider chunking down, outsourcing, or straight up stop doing.
#DotheDamnThing Tips and Strategies
To handle these drains on our focus fuel, we need to prioritize our tasks. Here are some simple strategies you can use:
- Outsource – If something is taking up too much of your focus, think about how you can share the work. Finding the right person to help can save a lot of energy.
- Identify the Leaks in your Fuel Tank – Look at what tasks drain your focus fuel the most. Maybe it's tasks with too many decisions or ones that come with a lot of pressure. Think about how you can reduce the number of decisions.
- Plan and Prepare – Know your daily commitments. Understanding what you’ve promised can help you manage your fuel better. Like for real, Do you even know how many commitments you’ve made? Once you know, take a hard look at those commitments and set a reasonable target to address that disappointment self betrayal thing
The Impact of These Techniques
By managing focus fuel, you can be more productive, feel less stressed, and enjoy your work and personal life more. These strategies are not just for busy executives but also for anyone who wants a more balanced life. As accomplished professionals, better time management can help you expand your influence and feel more fulfilled.
Using simple time management tools and techniques allows you to build enjoyment into your days. When you know what matters most, you can focus on those things, leaving room for fun and relaxation. Dedicating some thinking time to evaluate where you are burning your focus fuel is totally worth it, if you commit some time to take a deeper look Im positive it will make a difference in your life too.
Join the Do the Damn Thing Time Mastery Workshop
If you're eager to learn more and get control over your time, consider joining my “Do the Damn Thing Time Mastery Workshop.” It’s a fun, interactive deep dive into time management strategies for winning at home and work. If you're interested, click this link or shoot me an e-mail.
Until next time, remember to be kind to yourself and keep working on what matters most to you. You've got this!