Do You Over Commit?

Is it fear of disappointing others? Is it the Superwoman complex? Is it just to prove a point? Do you ever find that saying the word “no” eludes you? You get invited to a party and immediately you ask what can you bring. Your friend from work asks you to join her book and wine club and you tell her to pen you in for the next gathering. And of course, when was the last time you went to a Tastefully Simple party and didn’t find yourself booking your own party, I mean, of course it’s worth it for the discounts!?

So now you find that you have a great social life, right? Never a free night, always on the go, booked at least a month in advance. But then you notice your laundry is backed up because you haven’t been home all week. And you haven’t run any errands and have no food other than the ingredients for the buffalo chicken dip you agreed to make for your friend’s cook out. There’s a layer of dust on the dining room table. And wait, when was the last time you vacuumed? Actually, where is the vacuum?

Anyway, my career coach has suggested that I create a schedule: daily, weekly, and monthly. Now, thus far in life I have lived by the concept that if everything is scheduled there’s no room for spontaneity. One of my friends once said that my routine is a non routine. Considering the way my life flows, hard point for me to argue. And thus why I have been fighting the whole schedule thing tooth and nail. Yeah, supposedly it will allow, and even promote spontaneity, so far not buying it.

But, in an effort to stretch, grow, and keep an open mind, I’ve started to list out all of the things that I need to get done daily, weekly, and monthly. Honestly, schedule or not, with a list like this it’s a wonder anything gets done. And yes, even though I’m single with no kids I do still have a busy life (but that’s a post for another day).

While making said lists, I came across an ingenious 15 minute a day cleaning agenda. Personally, I don’t clean–and I’m not promoting or condoning a dirty life, just saying–I don’t clean. Alas, I digress. However, if I were to clean (and I may be inspired to start) this is the list I would/will follow. Would you believe I have friends that enjoy cleaning?!?! I mean not only do these people exist, but I know some of them. Wow… In the words of Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

This still doesn’t help with my inability to say no. Help?!?!