03/12/2024
"I never seem to have enough time, and I feel so anxious like I'm constantly behind on homework."
We often find ourselves hitting the same wall: people make many promises without thinking them through. Sometimes, they make them on the fly, and later on, they don't even remember.
Eventually, they find themselves buried under their own unfulfilled promises, with these commitments hanging over them like a dark cloud, making them feel like perpetual debtors.
Why does this happen?
Sometimes, we feel guilty when someone close to us needs something.
We want to be the "good guy" - it's how we earn love and approval.
In the moment of promise, we sincerely believe we can keep it, but then we start dodging because we underestimated our resources.
Sometimes, unconsciously, we want the other person to depend on us.
The second part of this cycle starts when we procrastinate, fail to deliver, begin avoiding the person we promised, get angry and annoyed with them, start spending our meager resources to fulfill promises, and feel drained, tired, and irritated.
If you constantly owe someone something or feel like a lousy friend/professional/family member, it's time to pause and review those promises.
What's important to do if you need help with a mountain of your promises?
Tell the people you promised that you can't keep them: "I want to warn you and apologize: I promised you this, but I won't be able to do it now. Sorry. I don't have the resources, and I don't know when I will."
Track when you're about to mindlessly say, "I'll do it," and stop yourself. Instead, say, "I'm sorry, I'd love to help, but I don't have the energy right now. I'm sorry."
Know your "triggers". Some of us are easily manipulated when someone complains to us; others when they flatter us or say, "Who, if not you?"; still, others when they suddenly speak to us coldly or sternly.
I think it would be a good idea to make a secret list of people you regularly promise something to. And with these people, carefully monitor your reactions.
A person who doesn't promise much may not become the most popular figure for requests to drive to the airport or hang out in their spare time, but they have more personal time, energy, and peace of mind.
And, of course, the vicious circle of "wanted to feel like a hero, ended up feeling like a perpetual debtor and guilty for not keeping up" breaks at this point. Not quickly, though.
Hi there, I'm Tatiana Bell, your go-to stress buster. I specialize in guiding accomplished women on their professional journey to conquer overwhelm and thrive. Together, we'll cultivate clarity, self-love, and well-being for a healthier, more content life. Let's embark on this transformative journey together!