Four Safeguards Against Commitment Burnout

As a busy human being, it can be easy at times to find yourself overwhelmed, over worked, and burned out. If this has ever happened to you, maybe you need to learn a lesson by suffering the consequences of allowing yourself to get stuck in over commitment and overwhelm.

Remember, all humans have the same basic needs of survival such as the need for food, clothing, shelter and health, as well as the emotional connections that make us feel human. Sometimes it is these basic needs that also lead to overwhelm, if not careful. In the quest to meet these needs, we forget about the other important human boundaries:

• Social laws and norms that govern society
• Spiritual beliefs and values that guide your conscience

On the surface, you might feel that you do not need heed these boundaries, but you do. Don't get me wrong, some social norms and laws may appear erroneous, and "spiritual beliefs" can be whatever you make of them. The point is, something is guiding you and represents the values you hold as important and they likely come from how you view these ideals. Ignoring the social and spiritual aspects of your life and personal boundaries can lead to problems and commitment burnout. To avoid this, try using these safeguards:

Accept the importance of commitment

The first step to meeting to your commitments is to accept that when you make a commitment you should honor it. Creating in your mind the importance of honoring your word can go far in helping make sure that you do not over schedule your life or violate your beliefs. Your commitment is your word, and you are either establishing trust or mistrust by your actions.

Keep an accurate calendar

Whether written, on a computer, or a smart phone it is important to keep a calendar for all of your personal or business commitments and activities in one spot. Having it all in one place will help you see where you are already committed when you try to add something new to your calendar.

Either business or personal it's all important

Everything you have promised or do carries weight. It's up to you how you prioritize your life. Whether it is a business meeting, a parent teacher conference, or a day of reading your favorite novel -- if it is something you have committed to -- you would do well to honor it. It is important to engage in the business, personal, and private things that make you feel healthy and fulfilled. If reading a novel once a month while lying in bed or taking a walk in the park recharges you, it is an important to commit to yourself and schedule it.

Give it some thought

Before you schedule anything new, always ask for and then take the time to think about first before you agree. For major projects, give it 24 to 48 hours to consider carefully whether you really have the time or want to take the time. Look at your calendar and give an honest assessment by asking these three questions:

• Can I take on this new project and do it well?
• Can I fit it in by moving something around?
• Does committing to this project fulfill me emotionally and financially?

Consideration of the emotional fulfillment is too often left out. If what you are doing is not emotionally fulfilling, it is hard to keep the candle burning. Choose to commit only to those things that will help you fulfill your goals and dreams. This is not selfish, nor foolish; it is a healthy way to be unstoppable and safeguard you against commitment burnout.