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How Overcommitting Nearly Broke My Business (and My Sanity)
Ah, 2023. The year I hit my busiest season ever in business (yay!) but also the year I found myself neck-deep in overcommitment (boo!). Honestly, I had so many things on my plate that I’m surprised I didn’t just topple over under the weight of it all. And yes, this all came with a side of burnout, please and thank you.
Listen, I’ve always been a recovering people-pleaser. You know, the one who’s always like, “Of course I can do that!” without pausing for a second to ask myself if I should be doing that. Well, last year, that habit of mine reared its head like a monster out of the deep, and trust me—2023 hit different.
Overcommitting didn’t just mess with my schedule. Oh no, it came for my business, my mental well-being, my energy, and (let’s be real) my general will to function. I felt like a hamster on a wheel that was spinning faster than I could run. So, if you’re sitting there wondering if saying "yes" to everything is messing with your business and sanity... I’m here to confirm: it is.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
The Moment I Realized “Enough is Enough”
Okay, so let’s get this straight: I love helping people. That’s why I started Thrive Design Co. in the first place! I’m all about being there for my clients, being the person who shows up, and I thrive (pun intended) on being involved in all the things. Whether it’s work or personal life, I’m always the one raising my hand like, “Pick me!”
But here’s the thing—there’s a line, and in 2023, I not only crossed it, I pole-vaulted over it. I packed my schedule tighter than the jeans I swore would fit again one day, and shocker: it caught up with me.
From the end of October through December, my husband and I had something planned every. single. weekend. We went to 20+ events in just two months. (Who even am I?) Add in client meetings, deadlines, church activities, and all the life stuff, and it felt like I was juggling flaming swords with no breaks in sight. I looked up one night—one week before Christmas—and it hit me like a rogue snowball to the face: “Wait, this doesn’t even feel like Christmas.”
Cue mini existential crisis.
Christmas is my favorite season. I live for the cozy nights, the family time, the nostalgia, the whole magic of it. But last year? I blinked, and it was over before I even got to hang one tacky, sentimental ornament on the tree. We hadn’t done anything on our Christmas bucket list, and that twinge of regret hit harder than I expected.
That night, I knew something had to change. I couldn’t keep saying yes to every little thing that came my way. I needed to protect my time, my energy, and my freaking mental health before I turned into a holiday Grinch.
The Lure of “Yes” (and How It Sucks You In)
If you’re anything like me (hi, fellow recovering people-pleaser 👋), you know the struggle of saying “no.” I love being around my family, showing up for clients, being involved at church, and staying connected with friends. But the problem? I have a real problem balancing “bored” and “completely overbooked.” You know that feeling when there’s nothing going on and you start to feel twitchy, like, “I should be doing something”? Yeah, that’s me.
And when those fun, busy seasons come around—holidays, parties, client projects—I tend to go into full "yes mode," filling every last inch of my calendar. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, people. But in 2023, I was living in constant GOMO (GOING out of my mind overdoing it).
Let me give you a snapshot of what my life looked like on the daily: I run Thrive Design Co. full-time as a one-woman show. It’s all me, all day, every day—client work, admin, marketing, meetings, deadlines, finances... you name it. Now, I love what I do, but this past year was so jam-packed with client work that I had zero time to work on my business. My growth numbers were exactly the same as the year before. Spoiler alert: that’s not good.
Oh, and did I mention that in August, I also took on a part-time role as Publications Secretary at my church? Yeah, just one more ball to juggle in my already full circus act. I genuinely love helping out at my church, but between that, Thrive Design Co., and all my other commitments, my calendar became a high-wire balancing act I didn’t sign up for.
The Fall-Out (a.k.a. Why I Had to Say "No" to Protect My Business)
By the end of 2023, I was done. Like, burnt toast done. I had poured so much time and energy into saying yes to everything—client projects, church commitments, social events, family gatherings—that my business (and honestly, my sanity) suffered. I wasn’t doing anything intentionally. I was just... doing. And that’s not the kind of life (or business) I want to lead.
I realized that if I didn’t start saying "no," I’d be stuck in the same cycle—overbooked, overwhelmed, and underperforming. Not exactly the recipe for a thriving business, right?
So, here’s what I’ve learned: saying “no” isn’t just okay—it’s necessary. By protecting my time and energy, I can show up 100% for the things that matter most to me: my business, my family, my clients, and my sanity. And let’s be real, that is the real win.
The Bottom Line: You Can’t Do It All (and That’s Okay)
If you're anything like me, the lure of saying yes to everything is strong. But trust me when I say that protecting your time is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your business, and your peace of mind. Overcommitting won’t just drain your energy—it’ll drain your passion, creativity, and even your bank account if you're not careful.
So, as we roll through 2024, I’m doing things differently. I’m prioritizing, I’m saying "no" more often, and I’m focusing on what really matters. And I’m here to tell you that you can, too. Because let’s face it—burnout is not a badge of honor, and overcommitment is not a prerequisite for success. Take it from me, a recovering people-pleaser with the scars to prove it.
What I’m Doing Differently This Holiday Season (2024 Edition)
So, here we are again, barreling toward the end of the year, and I’ve made a vow: 2024 will not be a repeat of 2023. The holiday hustle, the overcommitted weekends, the nonstop grind— it’s all getting a serious makeover this time around. Here’s what I’m doing differently to protect my sanity and actually enjoy the holidays this year (instead of surviving them):
Being more intentional about what we commit to: This year, we’ve already made some big shifts— like stepping down from leading one large event we usually host at church during Christmas, and taking a break from serving weekly in kids’ ministry after seven years in a row (and let me tell you, it feels weird not being involved!). That frees us up, along with being more selective about which events we’ll actually attend this holiday season. I’ll admit— I LOVED the hustle and galas and everything last year, but we’re dialing it back to only the things that spark the most joy and feel the most meaningful. 🎄
Scheduling downtime (yes, actually putting it in the calendar): If I don’t block off time, it won’t happen— simple as that. This year, I’m being intentional about scheduling at least one evening a week to do something festive, relaxing, and memorable with my husband where work and even family and friends are on hold. Whether it’s a holiday movie marathon, hot cocoa on the couch, or just driving around to see Christmas lights— it’s on the calendar, and I’m protecting that time like it’s sacred. 🎅🏻
No client work at the end of the year: This one’s non-negotiable and honestly saved me last year. Starting the week of Thanksgiving through the end of December, I’m not taking on any new client work, custom projects, or VIP Days until January. That time is reserved for family, friends, events we choose to be part of, and, of course, some good ol’ rest and reflection. The world doesn’t stop if you take a break—and neither will your business.
Speaking up and saying “no” to things I don’t have space for: As a recovering people pleaser, this one is tough, but it’s so necessary. Boundaries aren’t just for work— they’re for family and friends, too. I’m learning to set clear limits on how much I can realistically commit to without feeling stretched too thin. Saying “no” to that one holiday party might just mean saying “yes” to your own peace of mind— and that’s worth it's weight in gold. 🛑
This holiday season, I’m reclaiming my time, protecting my energy, and making space for what really matters— without the burnout. If 2023 taught me anything, it’s that balance is the real gift, and this year, I’m giving it to myself.
Some Closing Thoughts
This year is all about creating space for what matters most, and letting go of the things that drain my energy. Whether it's stepping back from commitments or scheduling time for myself and my loved ones, 2024 is going to be a holiday season where I'm present, intentional, and actually enjoying it.
If last year was a lesson in overcommitting, this year is my masterclass in balance. So, as we head into the holidays, I’m keeping my priorities clear and my schedule lighter—because I’ve learned the hard way that the best gift you can give yourself is a little bit of peace 🎁✨
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