What are the 3 O’s?
Overbooked
Overextended
Overcommitted
Do you ever feel overbooked, overextended, and/or overcommitted?
Hit the pause button and look at your calendar.
OVERBOOKED:
Overbooked is when you schedule every hour of your day.
By doing this type of scheduling, you don’t allow time for unexpected issues.
And issues always surface – that’s life.
Rarely do we have a day that goes as planned.
We have water heaters that leak.
We have flat tires.
We have sick children.
We have sick pets.
Your day spirals if your schedule is overbooked when these unplanned incidents happen.
This stress may cause you to behave in a way you don’t want to – you may become aggressive or 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.
This way, you can easily adjust your day if something unplanned happens.
OVEREXTENDED:
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 problems, 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.
Doing so may help you see things clearer and make better decisions.
OVERCOMMITTED:
Overcommitted is a result of not knowing when to say “no.”
Practice saying “no” every day in the mirror until you have comfort with this word.
Some people overcommit because they don’t want to miss an opportunity (FOMO).
But 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.
By doing so, will you really be present, or will you be resentful about your decision?
If a relationship is valuable, then be honest with the other person. Instead of “no,” suggest an alternative time.
If your calendar has you overbooked, overextended, and/or overcommitted, stop and ask yourself, “What is my priority?”
Defining what you really want will make it 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, enthusiastic, and focused), and make 2023 your best year ever!
(Update to original post from August 31, 2017)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at 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 developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. 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.’”