Work productivity, time management, organization, tools and tips

I have felt over committed recently too. And interestingly enough, I had to take time to re-group. I think the best thing to do when you have taken on too much is step back and take stock of where you think your focus really should be. When we are spread too thin we are not as helpful as we could be...Dr. Weber has written about how multi-tasking works against our brain.

I'm definitely no expert on time management so these are really just reflections on my own feeling of being overwhelmed recently and how I dealt with it. Being a single mother with two jobs, a son who plays basketball (and expects me to be at every game - rightfully so) as well as other obligations, sometimes feels like I'm drowning in responsibility. In the end, I was able to take stock of what my focus should be and have been since reinvigorated.

I hope this comment helps...

Kimberlee, let's hope Bill gets your message. Thank you.

Nice post, Carolyn. I think it's okay to stop what you've started if you realize it's not worth the time anymore to finish, or if there are more pressing things that must be done first. Even if that means saying sorry to others you previously committed to doing something for.

Perhaps it's a good idea to think before we commit? Oh, yeah, like I do that everyday :)

I am watching/waiting for answers. I get the point about regrouping, setting priorities and all...but that doesn't help when I already have made the commitments....

So, when is it okay to back out on a commitment?

Yeah...it's better to not over-commit in the first place, but it happens. Then what do I do?

Bill, it's always ok to back out of a commitment when things get too overwhelming and it appears you've overwhelmed yourself.

A suggestion? Perhaps you can find someone to give you a hand with those 250 students. Perhaps you can cut down on the number of posts each day. Would that work?

Bill this is easy. Just do what you did in Japan and find some poor sap that you can dump everything on and find greener pastures.

Maje. I don't know who you are, because you left no address. I don't know your history with Bill.

However, you should know this! ProductivityGoal isn't a public forum for back-sniping. If you have a personal problem with someone who comments here, work on it privately.

What you said to Bill might have validity and it might not. Most of us don't have a clue about the story behind it. It was inappropriate to bring it here and won't be tolerated.