After some time I realized that I am constantly overwhelmed by the amount of things I have to accomplish and it is all because I want to do everything all at the same time because it feels possible; and it is possible, don't get me wrong, but now I see that there are definitely many more factors that I have to evaluate and weigh before I should take on any more tasks in the near future.
Deciding when the the right time to say "yes" or "no" is always hard so I made a small list of some of the things you should think about and consider when you're faced with some decisions.
KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES
Everyone has a different set of priorities. Some might value their family more, others might value their academics more, others might value their extra-curricular activities more, and so on. But what matters here is that you know what your priorities are because in the end, it's you who will do the tasks and it's you who will have to live with the consequences of your actions, not other people. Take them into consideration but never make them the deciding factor.
KNOW WHEN TO SAY "YES" AND "NO"
This is easier said than done, I know. We are constantly presented with many open doors full of potential and opportunities and they all feel or sound good until you actually have to do the work required to get them. When you are presented with a wonderful opportunity, try to take a step back and analyze things first. Ask yourself these questions:
Will this opportunity help or guide me to wherever I want to go to in the future?
Will this help me become a better person?
Is it in line with my priorities?
Will my other tasks be compromised if I say yes to this?
Will this positively or negatively affect me and the people around me?
There are many more factors that you should take in before you immediately say "yes" or "no" to something but you can start with these questions. When you know when to say "yes" or "no" to something, you won't feel as burdened about your decisions because you've actually thought about it.
IT'S OKAY TO SAY "NO"
I never want to say no when I am offered with a great opportunity but now I realize that it will lead to my downfall if I don't learn to say it more often. My other tasks will be compromised and it may lead to more emotional, mental, or physical exhaustion and breakdowns and I don't want to experience any more of those. It's hard but sometimes you really just have to say "no" for your own good so don't feel too bad if you do so.
IF YOU DO SAY "YES", MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THROUGH WITH IT
If you do decide to say "yes" to an opportunity, make sure you follow through with it. You've deemed this opportunity as something worthy of your precious time so make sure that you actually give it your all and perform to the best of your abilities. Don't hand in some half-assed work just because you have to pass something. Learn the very difficult art of time management and finish your tasks. If you really want to accomplish something, you can do it. Stop making excuses.
Every decision and choice you make has the power to make or break you so make sure that everything is well thought of or at least make sure you're confident enough to be able to deal with whatever consequences you might face. Always remember that you don't have to go through all the open doors you're presented with! Sometimes closing some of them will bring you closer to wherever it is you want to be.
- Marian Plaza
click the photo for the source
cover photo by Shura